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The master-planned community of Sterling Lakes combines an exceptional location with impeccably designed homes from the $370s. Featuring gated access, spacious lots and a spectacular array of amenities, Sterling Lakes oers the family-friendly lifestyle you have been searching for.
Call today to learn more
(866) 837-3540 ext. 3802 TerrataHomes.com/SterlingLakes
“Cancer, our mission is to end you” Bob Harris | Cancer Survivor At MD Anderson Cancer Center, we are the only hospital in Houston focused on one thing: ending cancer. This singular purpose is why we are the nation’s leader in cancer care. From prevention and accurate diagnosis to personalized treatment and innovative clinical trials, our cancer experts are giving patients like Bob Harris every chance for the best possible outcome. Choose MD Anderson first. Call 713-745-9940 or visit FindYourMDAnderson.com.
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Multiple Locations Across Houston
contents | features
15 26 97 98
Shopping and Entertainment in Northwest Houston SPOTLIGHT: Inner Loop Living in Houston The Premier Wineries Near Houston
PHOTOGRAPHY We would like to thank the following for their contributions: GHCVB Houston
Houston’s Delicious Dining Scene
The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau - Derrick Bryant Photography Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Towne Lake-Caldwell Communities Cypress Christian School Land Tejas Lone Star College UH Downtown Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Patrinely Group Eric Pohl Annette Evans Lennar Homes Klein ISD Beazer Homes Busy Bee Realty Salem Lutheran School
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EDITORIAL We would like to thank the following writers for their editorial contributions to
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the publication: Joy Oden Cecile Adams
Š WEB Media Group LLC 2019 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the written permission of the Publisher.
LOCATE YOUR BUSINESS HERE
Live, work and play in beautiful Willis, Texas • FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY • WELCOMING TO NEW BUSINESS • NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS IN PROGRESS • CONVENIENT LOCATION ON I-45 • OUTDOOR LOVER’S PARADISE
OVER 5,000 NEW MASTER PLANNED HOMES COMING TO WILLIS
VisitWillis.com | 936-856-4611
contents | sections WELCOME TO NORTHWEST HOUSTON • 12
18
HOUSING + NEIGHBORHOODS • 18 19 Cities & Neighborhoods
Fax: 713-952-1956 info@HoustonNewcomerGuides.com www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com CEO
24 C ost of Living 26 Inner Loop Living
30
Phone: 713-952-1916
HOME FRONT • 30 32 Choosing A Realtor 34 Mortgage Options
EDUCATION IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON • 38 39 STAAR
Derek Wright PRESIDENT Kevin Evans VICE PRESIDENT Robert Nusbaum CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Hayden Seal
40 Public Schools OPERATIONS MANAGER
45 Private Schools 50 Higher Education
38
ACTIVE ADULTS + SENIOR LIVING • 54 57 Senior Housing Options 58 Assisted Living Communities
RELOCATION INFORMATION • 60
Cecile Adams PROJECT MANAGER Jill Roe ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Paul Yarbrough Kelly Gajewski Candi Thomas
62 Utilities and Services 63 Public Transportation 68 Places of Worship
78
HEALTHCARE RESOURCES • 70 71 Area Hospitals
Debora Licón Northwest Houston Newcomer Guide is published and distributed bi-annually by WEB Media Group LLC.
74 Medical Moving Tips 76 Finding a Doctor
BUSINESS + COMMUNITY • 78 80 North Houston Major Employers List 80 A rea Chambers of Commerce 82 H ouston by the Numbers
88
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
84 C ity of Conroe Top Employers
LEISURE + RECREATION • 86
For advertising information, please call 713-952-1916. Although every attempt is made to be as comprehensive and accurate as possible, WEB Media Group LLC is not responsible for any misprints, errors, omissions, deletions, or the accuracy of the information in the publication. WEB Media Group LLC does not accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by anyone using this publication.
88 Sports & Golf 91 Parks & Attractions 94 Arts and Culture 97 Texas Wineries 98 Dining & Shopping 100 Calendar of Events
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
300 E. Highland Mall Blvd Suite 395 Austin Texas 78752 Phone: 512-266-2900 www.TexasRelocationGuides.com
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These days, typical living is anything but. That’s what
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Plans and elevations/renderings are artist’s concepts and may contain options or features which are not standard on all models. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, square footage and designs vary per plan and community and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Contact a Lennar or Village Builders new home consultant for detail. Garage sizes may vary from home to home and may not accommodate all vehicles. Stated dimensions and/or square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Any statement, verbal or written, regarding “under air” or “furnished area” or any other description or modifier for the square footage size of any home is a shorthand description of the manner in which the square footage was estimated and should not be construed to indicate certainty. Models/lifestyle photos do not represent racial or ethnic preference. Copyright 2017 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Village Builders, the Village Builders logo and Next Gen and the Next Gen logo are registered service marks of Lennar corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 05/2017
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WELCOME from
THE CITY OF HOUSTON MAYOR Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Thriving Economy, World-Class Entertainment Just a few of the benefits of living in the Greater Houston area.
Greetings! Let me be the first to welcome you to Houston! You are going to love living here. We are the most diverse City in the nation – a City with an entrepreneurial spirit and a City where you can achieve your dreams. Houston is still the Energy Capital of the World, but our economy has diversified over the years to include technology, medicine and manufacturing and shipping. I invite you to explore all that this great city has to offer. Whether it’s our world-class restaurants, theaters, museums, shopping, thrilling sports teams or the new Independence Plaza at the Johnson Space Center which houses the world’s first and only replica of the space shuttle/carrier, Houston has it all. It all combines together to create the ideal city in which to live, work and play. Houston Newcomer and Relocation Guides can be an invaluable source of information as you prepare for your relocation. It showcases every aspect of living and working in the city of Houston.
We look forward to having you as a Houstonian!
Sincerely,
Sylvester Turner City of Houston Mayor
P.O. Box 1562, Houston, Texas 77251-1562 Telephone – Dial 311 www.houstontx.gov
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
FIREMANS #4 is the only blonde ale from Texas to ever win a medal at the most prestigious beer competition in the country. Last year, Firemans was judged second best in category from a field of 126 entries from all over the USA.
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WELCOME from the
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE The Northwest Houston area is full of excellent job opportunities with plenty of room for career growth. Come do business with us! Dear Northwest Houston Newcomer, On behalf of the three area Chambers of Commerce, and all of their members, it is an honor to welcome you to Houston’s Great Northwest. You may be assured that you will find exactly what you are looking for within the region. 8711 Highway 6 North Houston, TX 77095 (281) 373-1390 Fax (281) 373-1394 staff@cyfairchamber.com www.cyfairchamber.com
We are proud of our community, and we really do have it all. Outstanding retail centers, fine hotels and restaurants, and excellent recreational opportunities are close to home in Northwest Houston. Our highway and transportation infrastructure is ever-growing to meet the mobility needs of our residents and businesses. And of course, our trees, lakes, streams, and miles of greenbelt are there for your family to enjoy each and every day. Business development along Highway 290 and SH 249 Technology Corridor provide unlimited opportunities for emerging, growing or relocating businesses. Additionally, commercial and residential growth is tremendous. In all parts of our Northwest Area, new homes, re-sale homes, apartments, and townhouses continue to meet the demands of families relocating to our area.
29201 Quinn Road., Suite B Tomball, TX 77375 (281) 351-7222 Fax (281) 351-7223 admin@tomballchamber.org www.tomballchamber.org
Educational options are a principle concern for our relocating families. Cypress-Fairbanks, Houston, Klein, Spring and Tomball Independent School Districts are among the very best in Texas. Additionally, there is an outstanding variety of private and parochial schools from which to choose. We welcome you to our area and would like the opportunity to serve you personally. Please do not hesitate to contact us or simply stop by our offices to see how we may be able to assist you in your relocation.
Sincerely,
3920 Cypress Creek Pkwy. (FM 1960 West) Suite 120 Houston, TX 77068 (281) 440-4160 Fax (281) 440-5229 www.houstonnwchamber.com
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Leslie Martone, President Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce
Bruce Hillegeist, President Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
Barbara Thomason, President Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce
A TRADITION OF INNOVATION AND COMPASSION We are honored to serve the growing Northwest Houston communities by providing compassionate, world-class care close to you. Our specialties and services include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Accredited Chest Pain Center Breast Care Center Cancer Center Cardiology Cardiovascular Surgery Childbirth Center Colon and Rectal Surgery Emergency Medicine Gastroenterology General Surgery Imaging and Diagnostic Services Infusion Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Neurology Neurosurgery Obstetrics and Gynecology Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Radiation Oncology • Rehabilitation Services • Robotic Surgery • Sleep Center • Spine Center • Sports Performance Services • Stroke Care • Urogynecology • Urology • Vein Clinic • Weight Loss Surgery • Wellness Center • Women’s Services • Wound Care
Visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook or call 281.737.2500 to learn more or to find a physician.
18220 State Hwy. 249 | Houston, TX 77070
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WELCOME to
GREATER NORTHWEST HOUSTON Welcome to Houston! Find your dream home in the Northwest Houston region and take advantage of what the community has to offer. Welcome to Houston, Texas — one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in America, with a low cost of living, world-renowned Texas Medical Center, incredible cuisine, and countless arts, entertainment, sports and recreation destinations. As you drive around and familiarize yourself with the Houston area, you’ll no doubt notice license plates from many different states, as the addition of thousands of new jobs over the past few years has drawn people here from all across the U.S.
HAR CENTRAL 3693 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77027 713- 629-1900 Fax: 713- 961-4869
BAY AREA 16903 Buccaneer Lane, Suite 110 Houston, TX 77058 713-629-1900 ext. 750 Fax: 281-486-7530
MONTGOMERY COUNTY 19075 I-45 South, Suite 210 Conroe, TX 77385 713-629-1900 ext. 760 Fax: 936-273-0344
The Houston real estate market has been among the healthiest in the country, offering a wide selection of communities and properties to suit every lifestyle — for those buying or renting. The more than 39,000 members of the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR.com) help make the American Dream come true for individuals and families every day. HAR is the nation’s second largest local REALTOR® organization, and our members appreciate that a home is one of the greatest investments you will ever make. More than a million consumers begin searching for their dream home every month on HAR’s award-winning website, HAR.com, which actually showcases property listings for the entire state of Texas. Our site offers user-friendly tools to explore specific properties and their amenities as well as to find detailed information about neighborhoods, schools, businesses and much more. Those same features are available through the free HAR.com app, making your property search convenient while on the go. HAR and the City of Houston also developed the free Houston Living app, which provides instant access to information about Houston’s elected officials, city services and amenities, local events, neighborhood associations and much more. On behalf of HAR, it’s my distinct pleasure to welcome you to Houston. We hope you take advantage of everything our incredible community has to offer. Sincerely,
FORT BEND 6680 Greatwood Pkwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-629-1900 ext. 700 Fax: 281-343-9557
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Shannon Cobb Evans 2019 Chair Houston Association of REALTORS®/HAR.com
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
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in this section welcome recreation culture shopping & entertainment
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
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to e m o c l We
NORTHWEST HOUSTON Thousands of newcomers relocate to Houston each year from all over the country and the world, today, it’s the fourth largest city in the U.S. As the city grows, so do its services and the Northwest Houston and Montgomery County area is home to world-class hospitals, leading- edge educational centers, and wonderful places to live.
Houston is the City with No Limits: the quality of life is wonderful; the culture is dynamic and the economy is stable. In the nine-county Houston metro area over 117,800 jobs were created from October 2017 through October 2018. Here, you’ll also find the most ethnically diverse population of any city in the U.S., and the vibrant arts and dining scenes reflect that. While it can get hot and humid in the summer, (that is when you’ll be enjoying that air-conditioning), the rest of the year is temperate and often sunny.
its excellent amenities, convenient businesses and retail centers, fine schools and leafy parkland, all within easy access to central Houston, it is easy to see why. The Northwest Houston area is more commonly identified by their great communities, such as Klein, Cypress, Tomball, Champions and Spring. The lush, rolling landscape of Northwest Houston as far out as the Montgomery County area, which becomes green with forest and trees lining the horizon as the community does all they can to maintain their natural landscape.
many other great communities.
Mont-
gomery County is economically strong, with companies such as ExxonMobil selecting this area to build their new headquarters. The ExxonMobil campus is 385-acres and is located in Spring, just west of where I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road meet. Already,
the
“ExxonMobil
effect”
is
becoming evident in new planned communities breaking ground throughout the Montgomery
County
area.
Established
communities such as The Woodlands Increasingly, the Northwest Houston area is a popular choice for new residents. With
The Montgomery County area is comprised of The Woodlands, Conroe, Willis and
continue to thrive and enhance their appeal to residents and visitors alike. The region
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WELCOME TO NORTHWEST HOUSTON
Photo courtesy of Visit Houston
is enjoying a new focus on quality of life and transportation, with projects such as the exciting Spring Creek Greenway and the Grand Parkway, now open all the way from U.S. 59 South (aka the Southwest Freeway) to U.S. 59 North in the northeast Houston region. Montgomery County has always been a region on the move, from the days of stage- coaches to today’s super jets and express roadways. And it’s always looked to the future, from the railroad and sawmill pioneers of the 1800s, to the leading scientists at the Houston Advanced Research Center today. The Northwest Houston region has homes available that are suitable for anyone. From custom residences to townhomes, rental and resale homes, finding something to suit a budget and a preference is well within the realm of possibilities. People relocating can choose from the many golf course neighborhoods with luxury houses lining the fairways, or master-planned communities with wonderful amenities, to the outlying acreages offering pastoral living. Increasingly popular are the select neighborhoods built with the environment
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Lake Conroe - Photo Courtesy of Annette Evans
in mind, where harmonious ecological balance and quality of life for residents are the goals. Whatever the housing dream may be, it can come true here. Your children can get an excellent education. Northwest Houston and Montgomery County area is served by multiple effective independent public school districts and a variety of private schools. Many of the schools are award-winning and, on their reputations alone, draw new residents to the area. The Houston area teems with options and opportunity. And Northwest Houston extending into Montgomery County, with its strong schools and excellent medical facilities, is an ideal choice for growing families.
RECREATION The rolling, treed terrain of Northwest Houston was a draw to the first inhabitants of the area, and still is today. There are many parks, green spaces and waterways where you can escape the city’s bustle and ground yourself in nature. Here, you can play a world-class golf course, paddle down a bubbling bayou, listen to the trill
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
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of a cardinal, then enjoy an internationally famous dining experience. If you’re a hunter, fisherman or birder, you’ll find lots in the area to excite you. If you like to watch, you can take in your child’s baseball game or a major-league one at Minute Maid park, home to the World Champion Houston Astros. Most of the year, Houston’s mild climate means that you can enjoy the many outside attractions almost every day. Montgomery County plays an important role in the area’s quality of life today, providing recreational opportunities and beautiful backdrops for homes and communities. One of the area’s most exciting and ambitious projects is the Spring Creek Greenway, which preserves some of the pristine forests seen by the Akokisa Indians, who roamed the land more than 200 years ago. The Spring Creek Greenway conserves 12,000 acres of forest on both sides of the creek, making it the longest contiguous forested urban corridor in the nation. Several large anchor parks along the Spring Creek Greenway are ready to enjoy, including 55-acre Dennis Johnston Park,
featuring a popular loop trail, a fishing pond, a butterfly and hummingbird garden, and Big Stone Lodge, available for rental. The Greenway also connects many of the area’s existing natural jewels, including Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens and Jesse Jones Park. The area is home to many large natural areas, such as 163,000acre Sam Houston National Forest and 1,722-acre W. G. Jones State Forest. Lake Conroe, a 21,000-acre lake meandering along 21 miles, is the reserve drinking water supply for the City of Houston and offers clean, clear water for recreation, including boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, golfing, swimming, water skiing and much more. Its shores are lined with prestigious communities and resorts.
Courtesy of The Boardwalk - Caldwell Companies
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT
major outlet mall in Cypress which offers
and entertainment destinations. Market
merchandise from well-known designers.
Street has more than 75 national and
Indoors, patrons can find an amazing array of items in the many quaint shops, small retail centers, several large malls, or the
Market Street in The Woodlands is an
specialty retailers and restaurants, along
award-winning
with public art, cinemas, and
mixed-use
town
center
and one of the region’s finest shopping
a Wi-Fi
enabled Central Park. Old Town Spring is a
T HE HOME OF
MORE MONEY FOR MOMENTS THAT MATTER. Our homes have more than just a low HERS score. Our ENERGY STAR®–certified building practices have been known to lower heating and cooling costs up to half on average, which means you can afford to do more living. And just wait until we tell you about the low-E windows, allergy-reducing air filtration, Tyvek® house wrap and sound-blocking wall insulation that we build into every home. Visit us today. Whether you want to build it from the ground up or need the keys ASAP, your dream home is a Meritage home.
Your dream home is waiting. Call: 8 4 4 - 3 1 7 - 0 3 2 8
visit m e r i tag e h o m e s . c o m / n o r t h w e s t
All promotional, marketing, and advertising estimates and claims related to energy savings or performance are created exclusively by third party suppliers, rating services, utility companies, and/or certified auditors, based on U.S. Department of Energy methodology and average energy use and scores. Actual energy savings and performance of any home or any of its features may vary widely, and may be more or less than indicated savings and performance, depending on the personal energy consumption choices of the occupants and changes in energy provider rates and programs. Pictures and other promotional materials are representative and may depict or contain floor plans, square footages, elevations, options, upgrades, extra design features, decorations, floor coverings, decorative light fixtures, custom paint and wall coverings, window treatments (such as shutters, drapes, etc.), landscaping, pool, spa, sound and alarm systems, furnishings, appliances, and other designer/decorator features and amenities that are not included as part of the home and/or may not be available in all communities. Home and community information is subject to change, and homes to prior sale, at any time without notice or obligation. Not an offer or solicitation to sell real property. Offers to sell real property may only be made and accepted at the sales center for individual Meritage Homes communities. See sales associate for details. Meritage Homes® is a registered trademark of Meritage Homes Corporation. ©2018 Meritage Homes Corporation. All rights reserved.
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WELCOME TO NORTHWEST HOUSTON
historic, turn-of-the-last-century collection of Victorian-era shops and restaurants. The many and varied shopping experiences in Houston mean that most anything can be found right here. When finished shopping, there’s still plenty to do. There are any number of events, festivals, wine-tastings, barbeques, concerts, celebrations and parades to keep you intrigued and entertained. And the greater Houston area, the most diverse collection of people in the country, has culinary treats for every palate and pocket- book. Experience the rich collection of food trucks, cafes, and restaurants that Houston and its northwest corner have to offer.
CULTURE Culture and the arts are celebrated in northwest Houston. Not only are there many dramatic
presentations,
companies
and
schools, there are excellent musical and dance performances all around the area. Symphony North performs throughout the year. The Cypress Creek Foundation for the Arts (FACE) stages concerts by inter- nationally acclaimed performers, soloists, ensembles and multicultural groups. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, one of the nation’s premier outdoor entertainment venues, presents between 50 and 65 events every March through December, ranging from rock to classical, jazz to county, and modern opera to contemporary American ballet.
The Boardwalk - Photo Courtesy of Caldwell Companies
Not only that, but area residents are handy to exciting horseracing at the Sam Houston Race Park, water-sliding thrills at Wet ‘n’ Wild SplashTown, the region’s largest water amusement park, themed attractions and entertainments that are part of the Texas Renaissance Festival, and much, much more.
The Pearl Fincher
Museum
of
Fine
Arts opened in 2008 with the mission of bringing world-class art exhibitions to northwest Houston, and has since exhibited everything from European masterworks to contemporary art glass. This museum, along with the Centrum and the Barbara
finding a new home just got easier Cody Cooper Founder/REALTOR® 512.770.6526
SPROUTHOMES.COM
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
Bush Library, form the growing Cypress Creek Cultural District. The area’s many museums, galleries and artistic displays are sure to impress and inspire. n addition, just down the road, are the constantly changing, world-class offerings of Houston’s cultural scene.
TRANSPORTATION Even though the city stretches over 627 square miles, it’s easy to get around using the freeways, toll roads, HOV lanes and METRO routes which have been recently extended adding greater mobility. Many businesses are located in outlying hubs, so you can choose to live close to work. For Northwest area residents, the Exxon Mobil campus, and the Energy Corridor are very handy. So too, is the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Northwest Houston is intersected with a growing network of highways and transit options providing residents with convenient access to the Houston region and the world.
The Grand Parkway, also known as State Highway 99, is Houston’s third loop and has opened all the way from U.S. 59 South to U.S. 59 North, bisecting the region on a southwest-to-northeast axis, and making it possible to drive nonstop from Fort Bend County to Montgomery County. The Grand Parkway passes right by the newly opened ExxonMobil campus and many new developments in the area. Any of the Texas-based tags (the HCTRA EZTag, TxDOT TxTAG or NTTA TollTag) will work on the Grand Parkway and on the rest of the toll roads in Houston and across Texas. The new Tomball Tollway, Hardy Toll Road and I-45 North provide more critical transportation links for Houston’s northwest. Now in the final design phase, the Hardy Downtown Connector will extend the Hardy Toll Road from its current terminus at the 610 Loop all the way into downtown Houston, alleviating congestion at the Loop. When this connector is completed, the Hardy Toll Road will be an approximately
Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo
25-mile express route from downtown Houston to just south of The Woodlands. Improvements to I-45 between the Sam Houston Tollway and Downtown are also in the works and will be a great benefit for Northwest Houston residents who work in central Houston. METRO Park & Ride services and even water taxis in The Woodlands round out the area’s diverse mobility infrastructure.
The Lipton Agency Get a quick, personalized insurance quote.
Larry Lipton
2611 Cypress Creek Pkwy. Suite D-100, Houston, TX 77068
281-580-2510
LarryLipton@Allstate.com
24-HR CUSTOMER SERVICE HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
17
in this section cities & neighborhoods master planned communities cost of living inner loop living
Miramesa Amenities – Photo Courtesy of Land Tejas
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
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HOUSING &
NEIGHBORHOODS Home to lakes, forests, gently rolling hills, and all the conveniences, Northwest Houston and Montgomery County delight newcomers with historic small-town charm and leading-edge master-planned communities.
Northwest Houston and Montgomery County are a vibrant mosaic of old towns abuzz with renewed vitality and new communities. With its beautiful environment, highly regarded schools, convenient network of roadways and growing number of major employers such as ExxonMobil new residents from all over are making the area home. Newcomers will find a tremendous variety of homes and neighborhoods to choose from – including large-lot communities, lakefront and golf course developments, and masterplanned communities of all sizes. Here are brief profiles of some of the most appealing neighborhoods and communities. More information is available at www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com.
ALDINE Situated just north of Beltway 8 and handy to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport is Meadowview Farms, a Trailwood Community by Friendswood Development Company.
New, affordable homes, priced from the $150s to $230s make this community a great choice. School-aged children are served by Aldine ISD. Another Trailwood Community, Mount Royal Village, sits at Hwy 249 at West Mount Houston. Beautiful homes are priced from the $140s to $210s. Situated in the heart of Houston, residents have easy access to work and play; students attend Aldine ISD schools.
CHAMPIONS/ 1960 Champions takes its name from the Champions Golf Club and its prestigious golf course, which has been home to the Ryder Cup, the United States Open, The TOUR Championship and others. Settled between Highway 249 and Interstate 45, the slightly rolling, leafy terrain features Champion Forest, Olde Oaks and Northgate Forest, neighborhoods which offer homes for empty nesters or large families; prices range from the
$200,000 up to several million. Area students attend schools in the Klein and Cy-Fair Independent School Districts. Shop- ping, dining and entertainment options are many and varied along FM 1960.
CONROE The largest city and county seat of Montgomery County is named after lumberman Isaac Conroe, who founded a sawmill there in 1881. The new city was originally called Conroe’s Switch, since it sat at the junction of two railroads. Shortened to Conroe, the city prospered because of its thriving lumber and oil industries, and for one brief period it boasted more millionaires per capita than another other U.S. city. Today, Conroe is booming like never before, as Houston’s growth continues its northward march, and ExxonMobil’s new campus opens and fills up. The city is home to two craft beer breweries and a distillery, and it shows off its proud history at the Lone Star
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HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS
the Cy-Fair area. Monthly rental range from $850 to $3500.
rates
The City of Jersey Village is a home-rule City, operating under a Council-Manager form of government. Situated at the cross roads of US 290 and Highway 6, careful and deliberate planning has made this one of the area’s premier communities. Featuring new homes by some of Houston’s finest builders, Cypress Creek Lakes is only 24-miles from downtown and is built around an outstanding complex of schools served by the award-winning Cypress Fairbanks independent School District. Miramesa Community; Photo Courtesy of of Land Tejas
Monument and Historical Flag Park. Conroe has 24 city parks and a lively historic downtown filled with two antique malls, two live performance theaters, art galleries, eateries and much more. Several new communities have recently opened in the Conroe area, including Grand Central Park. Located just 5 miles north of The Woodlands, Grand Central Park is a master-planned community that is growing quickly due to their proximity to the Montgomery County energy corridor. The community has any inviting amenities, such as a dog park, a lake house, trails and pathways, everything to ensure residents have plenty of entertainment. Part of the highly regarded Conroe ISD, homes in the community are within close proximity to schools at every grade level.
Bridgeland, a premier master-planned community, is made up of four distinct villages; each will offer residents easy access to parks and trails, playgrounds, pool complexes, schools, shopping, places of work and places of worship. Price points begin in the $230s and exceeds $1 million. Rock Creek is a touch of the hill country at the big city’s doorstep. It is an upscale development designed for quality living and featuring exciting amenities, like five connected lakes, streams and extensive jogging paths. The main lake is stocked with fish and ready for boats. Prices begin in the $400s. Located around Houston’s largest private recreational lake, Towne Lake is at the heart of Cypress-Fairbanks. On the water, residents can water ski, sail or fish; beside the water, they can stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy a meal, or relax with neighbors.
KLEIN AREA CYPRESS FAIRBANKS Encompassing Cypress and the city of Jersey Village, Cy-Fair is one of the largest communities in Northwest Houston. Cypress Creek meanders through neighborhoods like Copperfield, Steeplechase and Vintage Woods which offer single-family homes on tree-lined streets from the low $100s. Rental homes can be found in the area for monthly rates of around $1000 to $2000. Attractive new apartments with stateof-the-art amenities are available throughout
20
In between Houston and Tomball lies Klein, an unincorporated community which has thrived since the mid 1800s when German immigrants made it their home. You can still hear the influence of these early settlers in the street names like Kaiserhoff, Kuykendahl, and Wunderlich. In 1938, the Klein Independent School District was established and it is still flourishing today, emphasizing community and progress, and offering excellent education to students K-12. 1n 1988, the Klein Texas
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
Historical Foundation was established to preserve the community’s heritage. Unincorporated designations often translate to lower taxes and fewer municipal regulations, and housing options are many and varied, with a range of traditional residences, new developments and multifamily housing complexes.
LAKE CONROE This 22,000-acre lake is one of the natural crown jewels of Montgomery County, along with its pristine national and state forests. The 157 miles of shoreline surrounding this scenic lake are ringed by some of the area’s most beautiful communities, including April Sound, Bentwater and Walden on Lake Conroe. Many of these communities have enhanced their gorgeous natural back- drop by adding golf courses, tennis courts, country clubs and other upscale amenities. A manmade lake that opened in 1973, Lake Conroe is fairly built out in terms of development along its shoreline, but its communities are still highly sought after for permanent and vacation homes. Public access and public boat launching is available from several parks, including Lake Conroe Park, Scott’s Ridge Swim Area and the vast Sam Houston National Forest.
MAGNOLIA Adjacent to The Woodlands, Magnolia was settled in the late 1840s and today calls itself “the community of unity.” It has been awarded Recognized Scenic City Certification by Scenic Texas. Magnolia retains its small-town charm even as it becomes a popular location for large-lot communities, especially those that can accommodate horses.
MONTGOMERY One of the oldest towns in the state, Montgomery is the birthplace of the Lone Star flag of Texas. It began as a trading post in 1826, and while the city itself hasn’t grown much, the area is still popular with newcomers. Just outside Montgomery, tens of thousands of homeowners reside in new and established communities, drawn by the
area’s natural beauty, proximity to commerce, and enduring small-town charm. One of the area’s newest and most innovative communities is Woodforest, a 3,000-acre development that ranks among the top 20 communities in the U.S. for new-home sales. Nestled in a heavily wooded environment between The Woodlands and Lake Conroe, Woodforest has a 27-hole championship golf course, parks, playgrounds, a splash park, and miles of hike-and-bike trails. Unique amenities include Forest Island, a 16-acre tennis and aquatics center, and Admiral Bark Park, named after the community’s first resident canine. Nestled beneath a canopy of oak trees, Lily Pad Park is an awesome water park for the entire family. Overall, Woodforest devotes 700 acres to recreation and natural open space. Homesites include golf course and lake frontage, and are as large as one acre. Woodforest also includes a 90-acre retail and mixed-use area, so residents will be able to shop and work where they live and play.
OAK RIDGE NORTH
District sports complex is there and hosts
Oak Ridge North is situated just north of
events year-round.
Spring and south of Conroe along I-45, with The Woodlands and Shenandoah as close neighbors to the west. It is home to just over 3,000 residents who affectionately refer
One of the first new developments to open in years will give newcomers an opportunity to enjoy the laidback Shenandoah lifestyle.
to it as “What a Hometown Should Be.”
Planned for 92 homes by Pelican Builders,
The community manages to maintain the
Boulevard Green is located on a 12-acre site at
hometown feel it was originally known for,
Vision Park Boulevard and Pine Forest Drive.
with friendly, close-knit neighbors who can
Hallmarks of this gated community include
walk to schools and the two city parks. And
distinctive architecture, low-maintenance living,
because of its proximity to The Wood-
elegant interiors and affordability – all in a conve-
lands, Conroe and Houston, residents of
nient location only minutes from I-45 North and
Oak Ridge North can easily take advantage
all of the attractions in The Woodlands.
of the entertainment, shopping, colleges and universities, and other offerings in the
SPRING
surrounding cities.
About 55,000 people reside in Spring, which maintains
its
small-town
appeal
while
SHENANDOAH
welcoming newcomers to several growing
Shenandoah is a small city of about 2,200
master-planned
that connects The Woodlands to Conroe
known throughout Houston for its quaint,
along I-45 North. The west side of the city is
vibrant Old Town Spring shopping and
almost entirely residential while commercial
entertainment district, and the Spring Creek
and retail property is zoned to the east side
Greenway is enhancing the area’s already
of I-45. The Conroe Independent School
considerable natural appeal.
communities.
Spring
is
Touching Lives, One Home at a Time.
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HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
21
HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS
Area schools are highly regarded, and major
of
roadways including I-45 North, the Hardy
homesites ranging from 55 to 75 feet wide.
award-winning
homebuilders
and
Toll Road and Grand Parkway add to the
Adjacent
to
The
Woodlands,
just
off Huffsmith and Wiseman Roads, is Lakes Surrounded by wooded beauty and
area’s vitality. The new ExxonMobil campus
TOMBALL
eight lakes, and just minutes from the Grand
is located right across I-45 from Spring, and
Once called Peck, Tomball was renamed
Parkway, The Woodlands and the new
this mega-development has had a huge and positive impact on growth in Spring. Harmony is a popular Spring
in 1907 in honor of its local congressman, Thomas Henry Ball, who played a major role
commu-
nity that embraces the 12,000-acre Spring Creek Greenway as its veritable
back-
yard. Situated just minutes from
I-45
in the development of the Port of Houston. Today, Tomball is home to about 11,000 residents who appreciate its small- town atmosphere and proximity to The Wood-
North and the Hardy Toll Road, this
lands and other fast-growing communities in
wooded
the Montgomery County area.
1,000-acre
community
offers
unique amenities such as Barefoot Park, where residents are encouraged to kick off their shoes and enjoy the outdoors. The park has a resort-style pool with a
community is wonderfully welcoming. Lakes of Creekside is comprised of just over 600 home sites, and has a tremendous array of amenities not usually offered in a close-knit community such as bike paths, splash pads, a pavilion and more. Lakes of Creekside is located within both the Tomball and Klein Independent School Districts.
Bounded by State Highway 249 and FM 2978 - with FM 2920 as Main Street –Tomball
ExxonMobil campus, this master-planned
is
ideally located just 28 miles northwest of
Willowcreek Ranch, a development of Caldwell Communities, is another popular Tomball community. This gated commu-
beach-entry lagoon, a splash pad, and
downtown Houston. With one of the highest
a community pavilion with an outdoor
elevations in the region, Tomball has fertile,
centerpiece, with more amenities including
fireplace. Coordinated by a dedicated
forested land that drew farmers and ranchers
an Equestrian Center, miles of hike and bike
lifestyle director, the community presents
in the early 19th century. Later, railroads and
trails, and numerous parks and green spaces.
events all years, like Pumpkin Fest and
then oil and gas brought more prosperity to
Overlooking the main lake, The Lakehouse
Pictures with the Easter Bunny. Harmony
Tomball. Today, the area is home to thriving
Lodge offers residents a place to play, enter-
is planned for 2,600 homes, with a variety
master-planned communities.
tain, work out, and enjoy life, unbridled.
nity has a sparkling 50-acre lake as its
FIND YOUR NEW DREES HOME IN HOUSTON’S FINEST COMMUNITIES CONROE Grand Central Park, from the $400s Harper’s Preserve, from the $500s CYPRESS Towne Lake, from the $390s KINGWOOD Royal Brook, from the $420s
ROSENBERG Summer Lakes, from the $250s SPRING Retreat at Augusta Pines, from the $630s TOMBALL Woodtrace, from the $490s
RICHMOND Long Meadow Farms, from the $340s
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
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HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOODS
WILLIS
entertainment district and other key compo-
When the Willis brothers donated land to
nents. The Woodlands has also become a
the Great Northern Railroad for a track from
major employment center, and
Houston to Chicago, a town was born. The railway and fertile land to grow watermelon, cotton and other cash crops, as well as trees for a thriving timber industry allowed the community to grow. Straddling I45 and north of Conroe, today Willis is the gateway to Lake Conroe and the home of a highly rated school district.
without doubt the community’s success and quality of life drew the attention of Exxon- Mobil, which built its new campus just south of the 28,000-acre community. Now home to nearly 100,000 residents, The Woodlands offers amenities including 190 miles of hike and bike trails, 121 parks and seven golf courses. The Woodlands will
THE WOODLANDS Opened in 1974, The Woodlands has reigned
office buildings, shops, restaurants and plaza areas, with water taxis providing transportation between these areas and more destinations including the 1.3 million square-foot The Woodlands Mall and Market Street. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, one of the most popular outdoor amphitheaters in the world, hosts national touring shows and cultural performances. An exceptional collection of larger-than-life sculptures and outdoor art installations adorns public spaces.
ultimately include 8,000 acres of natural
admired for its beautifully preserved environ-
The Woodlands lifestyle
ment and quality amenities. In recent years,
on the environment, the arts, technology
The Woodlands has come into its own as a
and
total community where people live, work and
Town Center features The Woodlands
play, with the flourishing of The Woodlands
Waterway at the heart of the commercial
Three highly rated school districts – Conroe, Magnolia and Tomball ISD – along with acclaimed private and preparatory schools give residents access to excellent choices for education. The Woodlands is also home to Lone Star College- Montgomery, and two renowned healthcare campuses, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands and
Town Center, the Market Street shopping and
district. The 1.4-mile long waterway links
St. Luke’s.
for decades as one of the top-selling master-
undeveloped land in parks and nature preserves.
planned communities in the U.S., widely
healthy
living.
is
The
centered
Woodlands
COST OF LIVING When it comes to overall cost of living, Houston is still an affordable place to live and work. Here’s how the Houston area ranked in a comparison to other major U.S. cities (based on Q2 2018) CITY
COMPOSITE 100%
Atlanta
100.5
102.2
101.4
86.6
100.2
108.3
102.1
Austin
98.5
88.2
101.8
94.6
90.2
101.2
102.8
Boston
147.4
106.8
211.2
122.8
112.7
135.7
129.2
Chicago
123.8
107.9
157.2
92.4
126.7
101.5
114.1
Cleveland
99.4
112.4
86.4
100.0
100.7
100.6
104.1
Dallas/Fort Worth
104.3
102.8
106.8
106.2
98.1
102.7
104.2
Denver
111.9
97.6
136.3
85.3
102.7
104.5
108.6
Houston
97.5
86.5
102.4
110.3
98.9
92.1
94.5
NYC - Manhattan
242.4
141.8
514.1
117.1
127.9
115.3
143.8
Phoenix
96.8
97.7
94.9
108.4
95.5
97.5
94.8
Pittsburgh
99.1
109.9
92.7
106.2
106.7
92.3
97.0
Raleigh
93.8
99.5
85.1
92.6
99.3
99.6
96.9
San Francisco
194.7
128.6
363.4
125.1
133.9
126.1
128.7
Seattle
151.9
127.0
207.5
112.8
134.4
122.8
136.1
Tuscon
93.9
102.1
79.3
99.0
97.8
99.8
99.3
24
GROCERY 13.47%
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
HOUSING 28.15%
– ISSUE 1
UTILITIES 9.90%
TRANSPORTATION
8.99%
HEALTHCARE 4.57%
MISC. 34.925%
124 COL L I N C O U N T Y N EWC O ME R & R E LO CATI O N G U I DE
|
ISSUE 2 - 2018
SPOTLIGHT:
INNER LOOP g n i v i L
26
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
With 92 consulates, a dynamic multi-lingual population, two international airports and a top ranked port, Houston attracts newcomers from around the globe who bring with them a world view of business, opportunity and life style.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
27
SPOTLIGHT: INNER LOOP LIVING
“We Love Houston.” The 28-foot welcoming
publicly traded oil and gas exploration and
the state of New Jersey – most of its growth
sign says it all. Open and friendly Housto-
production companies.
takes place outside of the 610 Loop, the
nians embody a boisterous spirit of growth
innermost of the three highway rings around
and optimism – a can-do attitude – and cele-
Houston’s Texas Medical Center is the
Houston. But inside 610, the living is good
brate individuality and quirky creativity.
largest in the
and getting better.
world,
employing
more
than 106,000 people and welcoming 10 Houston, the city with no limits, is Amer-
million patient visits each year. The Port of
ica’s most diverse city. Whatever their
Houston is the nation’s top seaport by many
backgrounds, newcomers from around the
measures, and ranks as one of the busiest
WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT LIVING IN CENTRAL HOUSTON?
nation and the world come to Houston in
ports in the world by cargo tonnage. NASA’s
Living in Central Houston means easy
huge numbers.
Johnson Space Center adds to Houston’s
access to Houston’s rich cultural scene. The
economic diversity, and the city has consular
Theatre District in Downtown Houston has
offices from 92 countries.
the largest concentration of seats outside of
Houston’s status as the Energy Capital of the World remains unrivaled. The city is
New York. This 17-block district is home to
home to more than 3,700 energy related
Due to Houston’s sheer enormity – the
nine performing arts organizations that wow
firms, including 40 of the nation’s 145
8,929-square-mile metro area is larger than
audiences in venues including Jones Hall, the Hobby Center, the Wortham Theater Center and the Alley Theater. Overall,
Considerations When Searching for a Home in Central Houston:
Houston has more than 500 arts organiza-
• While much of Houston is unzoned, check out potential restrictions such as deed restrictions and historic district status – the latter has been spreading through Central Houston. While restrictions can be very beneficial for neighborhood preservation, they might not be compatible with a buyer’s future vision for their new property.
trian-friendly Museum District, more than
• It’s relatively quick and easy to check the reputation of volume builders in large suburban communities, but inner city builders and renovators may be very small or even brand-new. Real estate agents and previous buyers can be good sources to check with.
such famous institutions as the Museum of
• If schools are a consideration, keep in mind that the reputations of inner city schools can vary widely from campus to campus, even within a small geographic area. Urban districts such as HISD have many outstanding magnet and neighborhood schools, however, attendance boundaries are not often flexible.
Contemporary Craft, the Holocaust Museum,
• When moving into a transitional neighborhood, keep in mind that problems such as crime, litter and rundown or abandoned properties may still take several more years to turn around. Redevelopment, while sometimes fast, can also progress very slowly. • If it’s important to you, consider that large tracts of open or industrial land, especially if they border a major street, can be redeveloped as multifamily residential, commercial or other.
tions – most of them in Central Houston. Just southwest of downtown, in the pedes8.7 million visitors explore the 19 museums that make up the tree-lined, culture-filled neighborhood each year. Within a 1.5-mile radius of the iconic Mecom Fountain, are Fine Arts-Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and more more specialized museums such as the Houston Center for and the Asia Society Texas Center. For sports fans, all of Houston’s professional teams are rooted in the central city. The Astros baseball team play downtown at Minute Maid Park, built around the historic Union Station railroad depot. Also, downtown, the Rockets play basketball at Toyota Center, next to the incredibly popular Discovery Green, which has quickly become Houston’s own people-filled version of Central Park. On the exciting east side of Downtown, BBVA
• If a home or neighborhood is located near a major freeway, keep in mind that urban freeways are always candidates for expansion. Do your research on projects that have been announced or talked about. The expansion of I-45 North and the proposed Houston-Dallas high-speed rail line may impact a number of Central Houston neighborhoods.
Compass Stadium is home to the Houston
• A s with high-rise and mid-rise living anywhere, keep in mind that a great view is never guaranteed to last forever, unless your building looks onto a park or other green space.
Downtown Houston is fast transforming
28
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
Dynamo soccer team. Reliant Stadium, home to the Houston Texans football team, is just inside the 610 Loop.
itself
into a 24/7 place where people
live, work and play. More than a dozen
new residential towers are sprouting up all
At Westheimer and Kirby, West Ave is an
Central Houston residents
over downtown, and a host of new hotels
example of several large mixed-use develop-
a growing number of options for getting
opened in time to welcome fans to Houston
ments coming onboard in Central Houston.
around without cars. A decade ago, Hous-
for Superbowl LI. The largest of these, the
West Ave has shopping and dining on its
ton’s first light rail line opened along Main
1,000-room Marriott Marquis, is one of
lower floors, including big draws like Toot-
Street, taking riders through Down- town,
many new towers ringing Discovery Green
sies for fashion, and restaurants including
Midtown, the Museum District, the Medical
and it features a Texas-shaped lazy river.
Pondi- cherry and Eddie V’s. On top of it all
Center and to NRG Stadium. Known as the
are 400 apartments.
Red Line, this popular rail line also created a
For Downtown entertainment, Green Street
are
enjoying
catalyst for new development along the way,
Houston is home to the House of Blues,
Another new mixed-use complex, the River
the Lucky Strike bowling alley, a growing
especially in Midtown, which has boomed
Oaks District, has opened on the site of
array of stores and restaurants, and new
with new midrise residential buildings,
a former car lot on Westheimer, between
luxury hotel Hotel Alessandra. Bayou Place,
townhomes eateries and arts centers.
The Galleria and Highland Village. The
Houston’s original downtown entertain-
vision is to offer an urban experience with
Bike trails are an increasingly popular way to
ment complex - offers movies at Sundance
high-end retail, street-side cafes, office space,
get around in Houston. The frequently used
Cinemas, concerts at Bayou Music Center,
a cinema and 279 residential units. Just
Heights trail opened a few years ago, and a
and a variety of restaurants.
inside the Beltway at I-10 West, City Centre
new Downtown connection links it to East
is another growing concentration of retail,
End trails. The trail has also been expanded
office, residential and entertainment with a
to the west, connecting it to Timbergrove
walkable urban feel.
and other hot neighborhoods along White
It‘s well known that Houstonians eat out more than residents of any other city, and with 11,000 eateries to choose from,
Oak Bayou.
who could blame them? Central Houston
As Central Houston continues to improve,
is home to many of the nation’s most
so does its offering of schools.
Houston
Houston has plenty of parks off the bayous.
acclaimed
including
has more than 40 colleges, universities and
Hermann Park, between Downtown and
Oxheart in the Warehouse District, Reef
other institutions of higher learning. Rice
the Medical Center is home to the Houston
in Midtown, and Hugo’s, Uchi and Under-
University is consistently hailed as one of
Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theater and Japa-
belly in Montrose. In a city where more
the nation’s finest, and the University of
nese Gardens, which recently
than 90 languages are spoken, great ethnic
Houston has earned Tier One status, placing
its 100th birthday with new public art and
food is everywhere, from the many Viet-
it in
the same league as the University
the McGovern Centennial Gardens. A new
namese restaurants along Milam Street in
of Texas and Texas A&M University for
master plan is also underway to renovate
Midtown, to the original Ninfa’s Mexican
advanced research.
and improve Memorial Park.
new
restaurants,
restaurant on the recently-beautified Navi-
celebrated
gation Boulevard. Central Houston is a shopper’s paradise that includes funky fashion boutiques in Montrose, antiques stores in the Heights, and a large cluster of art galleries and home decor stores along Kirby and Richmond. Westheimer is the undisputed champion of Houston’s shopping streets, crowned by The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center with 400 fine stores and restaurants, and over 30 million shoppers every year. Located right outside the 610 Loop, The Galleria has everything from Neiman-Marcus,
Gucci
and Saks Fifth Avenue for uber-luxury, to Macy’s for moderately priced fashion. Just inside the Loop on Westheimer, Highland Village has everything from Pottery Barn to Williams-Sonoma.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
29
in this section home ownership choosing a realtor rent or buy mortgage options credit reports
30
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
The
HOME FRONT The rapid growth of the Northwest Houston and Montgomery County area means newcomers can find everything they need for a smooth move – from abundant temporary housing choices, to skilled Realtors and custom builders who are eager to help.
TEMPORARY LODGING
Consider the location and style of housing
RENT OR BUY?
Sometimes, newcomers need temporary
that would best suit you during your tempo-
There can be advantages to both renting or
housing while they continue their home
rary stay. Is proximity to work the top
buying a new home, depending on one’s imme-
search, or while they wait for their new home
consideration during this hectic period? Or
diate priorities and long-term goals. According
to be built or renovated. Like most big cities,
it might be most important to stay near an
to Freddie Mac, renting can make more sense if
Houston has many options for temporary
airport if you’ll be doing a lot of traveling
you have a career or life- style that requires you
housing, but perhaps it’s even
during the transition. Would you be most
to move frequently, if one prefers a set monthly
comfortable in a hotel or apartment, or
budget and cannot afford unforeseen main-
because
companies
are
truer here,
experienced
at
serving the historically heavy influxes of
would you prefer a single-family
newcomers who work in Houston’s thriving
HOME OR TOWNHOME?
energy, medical and aerospace sectors.
Good sources for locating temporary housing
tenance expenses, or if they don’t have the time or desire for home maintenance. More reasons to rent: if the thought of having amenities such as a pool, gym, concierge and
Many multifamily complexes have corpo-
include your company’s human resources
rate programs with fully furnished
tennis courts sound enjoyable; if the plan is
department, your Realtor and/or builder, and
to downsize living space or retire soon; and if
the Internet.
one is experiencing a financial setback and/
units
and short-term leases available. Hotels are another option, including the growing
or rebuilding their credit. Freddie Mac says
number of extended-stay hotels in the area.
Bottom line: the rapid growth of Northwest
When staying in a hotel for 30 days or
Houston and Montgomery County means
income, good credit and documentation for
longer, Texas law allows for an exemption of
that newcomers will find plenty of temporary
their assets; if they can afford at least a 5%
the 6% state hotel tax; see the hotel manage-
housing options throughout the area – from
down payment and closing costs; and if they
ment for information on how to apply for
extended-stay hotels and corporate lodging,
are financially able to take on home mainte-
this exemption.
to single-family homes and condos for rent.
nance and improvements.
buying may be best if someone has reliable
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
31
Choosing a Realtor
It may also be better to buy if you want to
The right realtor can save you thousands.
breaks and credits; if you have an adequate
build equity and qualify for homeowner tax cash reserve to withstand loss of employment
Buying or selling a house involves real estate law, title insurance policies, home warranties, home-lending practices, appraisals, inspections, hazard insurance, surveys and other issues; the services of a realtor are highly recommended. Especially for people new to the area, a realtor can save time and money and provide local knowledge. A realtor can swiftly locate homes that fit with your lifestyle, price range, educational needs, and location.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT REALTOR? First, understand the difference between a real-estate agent and a realtor. Only professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (and other local associations) can use this designation and they must abide by a strict code of ethics based on competency, fairness and integrity. A realtor who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® cannot discriminate against someone based on race, religion, gender, handicap, family status or national origin.
or another financial setback; and if you plan on staying in your home at least four years.
NEW HOME VS. EXISTING HOME Advantages of buying a new home include “new” everything – from carpets to appliances. Energy efficiency is another big consideration. New homes can include the latest high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, along with advanced insulation and window products that weren’t available 10 or 20 years ago. A new home will require less maintenance in the short term, and new homes are wired and capable of accommodating the latest technologies.
Talk to a number of realtors before making your decision, talk to some of their previous clients and review their current and recent listings. You might want to ask the following:
There are also advantages to buying an
• How long have you worked in real estate?
Houston and Montgomery County, which
• Is real estate your full-time job?
• Do you prefer to work with buyers or sellers?
old. Existing homes might be less expen-
• Do you specialize in a particular area or neighborhood?
sive, have established landscaping, or other
• What is the average price of properties that you close?
• How many closings do you have each year?
• Do you work on a team?
• D o you have any designations, cer tifications, awards or special training?
existing home, especially in Northwest offers plenty of resale homes ranging from historic farmhouses to homes just a few years
“extra” features, such as window coverings, that may not be included in new homes, and traditional floor plans. Used homes may also have a track record of appreciation over the years, although Realtor. com cautions that past performance does not guarantee future market appeal.
SPECIALTY CERTIFICATIONS Realtors with the CBR (Certified Buyer Representative) are exclusively committed to providing excellent buyer representation and know current real-estate practices. Realtors can also be certified as Texas Affordable Housing Specialists, which recognizes training in green technologies that can make a home more affordable. Realtors certified by Earth Advantage are trained to spot and understand the advantages of green construction. An EcoBroker designation means a realtor has extensive training in conservation and green energy. Your realtor should be someone who is an expert on the area and the industry. But she should also be easy to work with and willing to listen – the process should be enjoyable as well as productive.
32
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
CUSTOM HOME BUILDING One of the great things about Northwest Houston or the Montgomery County area is the diversity of communities and homesites to choose from for building the custom home of your dreams. The
choices are almost
endless. Anyone can find an acreage homesite in a community that still feels rural and pastoral, or they can tap into the increasingly urban vibe of places like The Woodlands Town Center and build a townhome that might look a home in New Orleans or Charleston. Homesite can be found with
views of the area’s many golf courses, lakes
minimum FICO credit score of 620. Home-
The Northwest Houston and Montgomery
and parks. And almost everywhere, home
buyer assistance programs are also offered
County markets.
buyers will find the beautiful trees the area is
by various government agencies.
known for.
groups, including teachers, police officers and
Some
firefighters, may also qualify for special assisAlso in Northwest Houston and Mont-
tance programs.
OBTAINING A HOME MORTGAGE More good news comes in the form of
gomery County, relocation candidates will find a wide selection of homebuilders and
The following pages cover the basics of
relaxed lending standards that could benefit
Realtors who are extremely knowledgeable
financing a home, along with some special
first-time buyers. Fannie Mae and Freddie
and experienced in building custom homes in
considerations for unique circumstances in
Mac, the two federally chartered mortgage
the region. The benefits of building a custom home are getting exactly is what is wanted – from the location of the lot, to the design of the exte-
Call (281) 376-9900
rior style and interior floor plan. Many buyers have extended multi-generational families or adult children living at home, and garage apartments and ground floor “casitas” (small houses) are popular options for accommodating these family members. Inside, too, a custom home allows for a personalization of every aspect of every room – from countertops and flooring, to paint colors and lighting and plumbing fixtures. And if there is desire to create a special place to incorporate an architectural element that’s a family treasure or recent discovery, that’s very easy to do when building custom.
MANAGEABLE, AFFORDABLE LIFESTYLE Although home prices have risen in Houston, it still ranks as one of the most affordable big cities in the U.S. for home- ownership. Despite a flattening economy, Houston home sales stayed stable in 2018 and even gained momentum toward the end of the year, ultimately closing more than 82,000 home sales over the year – which was up 20 percent from the prior year.
Are you moving to Houston? Over 90 top agents ready to help you find your next home!
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More good news comes in the form of
Each office is independently owned and operated.
relaxed lending standards that could benefit first-time home buyers.
A few years ago,
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two feder-
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT US: (800) 621-7253 | (281) 376-9900
10130 Louetta Road Suite J Houston, TX 77070
ally chartered mortgage corporations, relaxed lending guidelines that were tightened after the national housing crisis that began in 2008. Now, some buyers can get a mortgage with only 3 percent down payment and a
Outstanding agents, outstanding results!
www.remaxvintage.com HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
33
NORTHWEST HOUSTON HOME FRONT
corporations, recently relaxed lending guidelines that were tightened after the national housing crisis that began in 2008. Now, some buyers can get a mortgage with only 3 percent
“
down payment and a minimum FICO credit score of 620. Homebuyer assistance programs are also offered by various government agencies. Some groups, including teachers, police officers and firefighters, may
The Greater Houston Builders Association works to ‘provide advocacy, education and meaningful services to benefit its members and the housing industry.’
”
also qualify for special assistance programs.
HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD? Determining an affordable purchase price for a home is the essential first step to home ownership. Experts recommend spending about 28 percent of the household budget on housing, and a recent Rice University study found that Houston area residents spend typically about 30 percent of their
Experts also suggest that household expenses
For all fixed-rate loans, the amount of the
not exceed 43 percent of personal income
mortgage, payment, the interest rate and the
before taxes. The mortgage payment, insur-
term of the loan are fixed and fully self-amor-
ance, credit card balances, utilities, food
tizing, which means at the end of the term,
and health care as well as any payments on
the principal has been repaid.
outstanding loans and leases are expenses, while household income includes salary and other declared revenue such as dividends and royalties. In the case of townhomes, condos and other types of housing where a monthly
incomes on housing, so the city overall is
maintenance fee is charged, that too must be
right in line with that advice, albeit slightly
considered in the overall expenses. Developed by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, the Texas Housing Affordability Index (THAI) measures the ratio of median household income required to buy a median-priced home, using a 30-year mort- gage with a 20 percent down payment as its model. A THAI of 1.00 indicates that household
income
is
just
enough to qualify for a loan to purchase the Our team understands that your home is one of the most important pieces of your life and
is the principal of the mortgage. Dividing the principal by the number of payments in a 30- year or 15- year mortgage and adding the interest determines the monthly house payment. Escrow money for taxes and insurance is added to the payments according to
on the high side.
the median
The purchase price less the down payment
median-priced home. The Northern region of Houston’s most recent THAI was an
the terms of the lender, and the amounts are recalculated annually. The Alternative Mortgage Instrument (AMI) is a loan in which at least one of the four components varies. The most common AMI is the Adjustable Rate Mortgage with a variable interest rate. Customarily, the ARM interest rate begins low and periodically adjusts either up or down
within
limits
based on a pre-specified
index.
The
initial
low
rate, and therefore, the lower
takes great care in helping you through the
impressive 1.96, which makes the area more
monthly payment, enables the buyer to meet
home selling and buying process.
affordable than the overall Houston region,
the income and debt-ratio requirement.
state and nation based on THAI averages.
MORTGAGE OPTIONS
DOWN PAYMENT The down payment is the cash committed
Several different types of mortgages are
toward the purchase of a home. For most
common today. A standard 30-year fixed
loans, a down payment of 20 percent of the
rate mortgage is the most common way
We faithfully serve our clients for all of their real estate soluuons.
purchase price is required to avoid paying
to
15-year fixed rate
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), although
mortgages are another option. The 40-year
it is possible to take out a secondary loan to
The Spencer Team, partnered with RE/MAX Integrity, includes full me, top producing Realtors®, Melissa and Doyle Spencer, and addiional support team member, Vivian Brandon.
mortgage has become more popular in some
avoid PMI.
713-823-2368 | 281-370-5100 Melissa@TeamSpencerRealty.com
34
finance
a
home;
parts of the country where home prices are rising fast, but many experts agree that the
INTEREST RATES
tradeoff of a slightly lower monthly payment
Interest rates fluctuate frequently and vary
for much more interest paid over the life of
from lender to lender. Interest on a 30-year
the loan does not make economic sense.
fixed rate mortgage is likely to be different
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
from that of a 15-year, and adjustable rate mortgages reset according to the terms of the lender.
CLOSING COSTS Between 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price of a home, closing costs include related fees such as costs for running credit reports, loan origination, appraisal, survey, title insurance, and discount points paid to lower the interest rate. Closing costs are typically paid by the buyer at the time of closing.
CREDIT REPORT Lenders will require a credit report from the credit bureau that has collected your credit history for the past seven to 10 years. Credit reports document your financial history and reflect the amount of credit you have, the timeliness with which you pay your bills, if you have declared bankruptcy and other factors that give the lender a financial snapshot. Traditional mortgage lenders require an established credit history, but some lenders may offer more flexible mortgage programs for people with limited or no established credit record. Credit reports also carry your credit score, a numeric ranking between 300 and 850 that many lenders use. It is calculated using five
factors: payment
of outstanding
debt,
history, length
of
amount credit
history, new credit and the sources of credit in use. In addition to informing lenders of credit-worthiness, your credit score can also determine the interest rate you pay. The better the credit score, the lower the interest rate. More information on credit scoring is at myfico.com.
PRE-APPROVAL VS. PRE-QUALIFICATION Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is beneficial because it gives sellers a level of assurance that the prospective buyer can obtain a mortgage – a big plus in a competitive market. Pre-approval requires the completion of a loan application and sometimes a fee. Pre-qualification, on the other
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
35
NORTHWEST HOUSTON HOME FRONT
hand, is just an estimate of a mortgage that a
requirements, ATM charges, availability of
Texas Credit Union League and the Credit
prospective buyer might qualify for.
funds policy, direct deposit and other options.
Union National Association.
Contact the Texas Department of Banking at
TAX DEDUCTIONS
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE
www.dob.texas.gov.
Some home purchase costs are deductible
Homeowner insurance is required by mort-
if you itemize deductions. These costs may
CREDIT UNIONS
gage lenders, and is essential even if a home
include mortgage interest, real estate taxes and
Credit unions are a good source to check for
is paid for. Buyers are typically asked to
PMI payments. For more information, visit
mortgage loans because they may offer lower
pay one year of insurance at closing, with
irs.gov or ask your tax preparer or attorney.
rates. Historically, credit unions have been
premiums included in monthly mortgage
employer-based financial institutions but
payments. Selecting an insurance company
BANKS
today it is common for credit unions to be
and deter- mining coverage is the respon-
Banks offer a full range of services that
community-based, meaning that anyone can
sibility of the buyer, and should begin as
usually include mortgages at competitive
use a credit union as their primary financial
soon as the contract to purchase a house is
rates. In addition to checking and savings
institution. Members are insured for up to
accepted by the seller.
accounts, their mortgage lending is another
$250,000 per account by the National Credit The Texas Board of Insurance is a valuable
option for homebuyers. Be sure to ask about fees associated with the bank’s services,
Union
More informa-
source of information. Many companies
different
tion about credit unions is available from the
offer discounts when home insurance is
accounts,
minimum
balance
Administration.
combined with auto coverage, life insurance, health insurance and other types of insurance
CREDIT REPORTS
that may be needed. In the Houston and
Lenders need your credit report, which is an analysis of
companies in some neighborhoods. Check
Montgomery County areas, flood insurance is required or recommended by mortgage
your credit history over the last seven-to-ten years. Called
with your builder, Realtor or lender to deter-
the FICO score, it includes your employment history, your
mine the status of your property. Visit www.
payment activity, the amount you owe, the amount of available credit you’re using, the length of the history, any new credit and other factors. You will be scored anywhere
tdi.texas.gov for more information.
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS A variety of programs are designed to help
between 301 and 850, with anything over 740 considered an
first-time buyers, including FHA loans with
excellent score. Higher scores lead to better loans and lower
a 3 percent down payment discussed at the
rates. There are three credit reporting agencies and you may contact them to obtain your credit history.
beginning of this article. Montgomery County, Harris County and other governmental entities also offer home-
FREE CREDIT REPORTS You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies once every 12 months. You can request all three reports at once, or space them out throughout the year.
TRANSUNION® 1-877-322-8228 www.transunion.com
EQUIFAX
®
1-800-685-1111 www.equifax.com
EXPERIAN
®
1-888-397-3742 www. Experian.com
buyer assistance programs that can provide down
payment
assistance
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
special
hold income and purchase price criteria. Other programs include Southeast Texas Housing Finance - www.sethfc.com, and the Harris County Downpayment Assistance Program – csd.harriscountytx.gov. Information is also available from the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs - www.tdhca.state.tx.us. Realtors, mortgage lenders and builders are also good sources of information about available homebuyer assistance programs.
36
and
financing for buyers who meet certain house-
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in this section STAAR public schools private schools higher education
38
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
EDUCATION IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON Home to some of the largest and most highly rated public school districts in Texas and the U.S., Northwest Houston and Montgomery County offer its residents an impressive array of high quality educational opportunities. Higher education is another strength.
Along with beautiful lakes, forests and a
grades 3-8; writing at grades 4 and 7; science
employees by the end of 2019. In 2013,
thriving economy, Montgomery County
at grades 5 and 8; social studies at grade 8;
the average STEM occupation paid about
offers excellent educational opportuni-
and end-of-course assessments for English
$80,000 annually; roughly 1.7 times the
ties. There is a variety of highly regarded
1, English 11, Algebra 1, biology, and U.S.
average yearly U.S. wage.
public school districts, ranging from small-
history. All of the districts in Montgomery
town gems to some of the largest in the
County met approved standards in 2016.
The Texas science, technology,
For more information and
complete
initiative provides a foundational approach
along with a growing list of opportunities
district and individual school information,
to empower teachers, inspire students and
for higher Education.
visit the Texas Education Association at
advance STEM education. There are 70
www.tea.texas.gov
T-STEM Academies and seven blended
Houston area. The region also has a wide range of private and parochial
schools,
State
of
Texas
Assessments
and
mathematics
(T-STEM)
Early College High School/T-STEM Acad-
STUDENT ASSESSMENT TESTING: STAAR The
neering
engi-
STEM EDUCATION
emies serving more than 40,000 students across the state.
of
STEM, an acronym for science, technology,
Academic Readiness (STAAR) measures
engineering and math education, is an interdis-
a child’s performance, as well as academic
ciplinary and applied approach that is coupled
TEXAS CHARTER SCHOOLS
growth, college and career readiness. Results
with hands-on, problem-based learning.
Charter schools were authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1995 to provide an
from STAAR calculate annual school and district performance ratings. Annual Assess-
According to a recent poll of U.S. CEOs,
alternative to traditional public schools.
ments cover: reading and mathematics,
employers will need 1.6 million new STEM
Open-enrollment charter schools are public
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
39
N O R T H W E S T H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N
schools that have the flexibility to adapt to the educational needs of individual students. Charter schools provide a personalized learning environment that promotes greater student achievement. In the State of Texas, charter schools operate under and receive academic accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency. All charter students in Texas take the same STAAR test as traditional public school students. Charter schools receive state funds based on the average daily attendance of students (same as traditional public schools); however, they do not receive funds from local tax revenue.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS Conroe ISD
Photo Courtesy of Cypress Christian School
www.conroeisd.net • 936-709-7752 Conroe ISD is a 348-square mile school
well as several other smaller towns, commu-
district that is geographically diverse and
nities, and unincorporated areas. As the 11th
includes The Woodlands, Shenandoah, Oak
largest district in Texas and the 65st largest
Ridge North, Conroe, and Caney Creek, as
in the U.S., Conroe ISD serves over 63,000
students across 63 campuses and is one of the fastest growing districts in the State. Conroe ISD is a community of individuals working together to achieve the best for students. The District is proud of the accomplishments of students, teachers and administrators who have helped make Conroe ISD a great school district. Achievement scores continue to increase and are well above the State and national averages. The mean SAT score for the District is 1556 compared to 1484 for the nation and 1393 for the State. The mean ACT score is 23.5 with the nation and State at 21 and 20.7 respectively. Conroe ISD also has a graduation rate of 95.7%, one of the highest in Texas. Cypress-Fairbanks ISD www.cfisd.net • 281-897-4000 Twenty miles northwest of downtown Houston, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD is one of the fastest-growing school districts in the nation, with a student enrollment of almost 115,000. It is the second-largest district in the Houston area, the third-largest in the state, and was awarded the TEA’s highest possible rating of Met Standard for the fourth straight year. Cypress-Fairbanks ISD is a destination district for its college/ career preparation, extracurricular prowess
40
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
and award-winning programs. With a diverse student population (students speak more than 100 languages or dialects), it is proof of the visionary work of educators, businesses, organizations and taxpayers who believe in making life better for the next generation: Cypress-Fairbanks ISD offers an unparalleled universal public education experience for all children. A fiscal leader in Texas, the district is one of only three to earn a five-star rating from Texas Smart Schools for all six years of the program. The professionals at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD work to maximize every student’s potential through rigorous and relevant learning experiences preparing students to be 21st Century global leaders. The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD vision is LEAD: Learn. Empower. Achieve. Dream. Houston Independent School District www.houstonisd.org • 713-556-6000 The Houston Independent School District is the largest public school system in Texas and the seventh largest in the United States. Houston Independent School District is focused on providing safe, secure schools where students can excel and prepare for college and careers. The district has at least 27,000 full-time employees, educates more than 209,000 students in 280 schools spread out over 334 square miles. Houston Independent School District’s property tax rate is the lowest in Harris County and the second lowest among the state’s 12 largest school districts, but 96% of rated Houston Independent School District schools met state student progress standards, and Houston Independent School District has reduced students’ drop-out rate by 43% in the last 8 years. Houston Independent School District stands out as a district of choice with a robust portfolio of schools, including strong neighborhood campuses, magnet and vanguard schools, charter schools, fine arts and language programs, early college high schools and career academies, and other specialized programs. The district has
placed an emphasis on ensuring all students have access to a global education and are prepared to compete and be successful in a global society upon graduation. Klein Independent School District www.kleinisd.net • 832-249-4000 At Klein Independent School District (Klein ISD), every student enters with a promise and exits with a purpose. Klein ISD achieves this vision by centering on the following five targets: pathways, challenge, equity, leadership, and continuous improvement. As Promise2Purpose investors, district staff focus resources and relationships on three strategic priorities. The first strategic priority is Reimagine Learning. This priority is defined as personalized learning, a flexible and challenging curriculum, as well as standardized evaluation. Cultivate Talent is our second priority and is achieved through a best-in-class leadership pipeline, feedback loops and self-reflection, as well as targeted professional learning. The final strategic priority is Build Community. They achieve this via relationships, mentoring and partnerships, engaging, educating and equipping families, and through cultural responsiveness. Ensuring that every student has a clear pathway to success allows the district to personalize learning and ensure that all graduates have a bright future ahead of them. Before graduation, Klein ISD promises students the opportunity to explore and experience various pathways that include not only successful mastery of a guaranteed and viable curriculum, but also coursework and experiences that appeal to students’ unique talents, interests, and abilities. Klein ISD is comprised of six high schools, 10 intermediate schools, 32 elementary schools, one early childhood/ pre-kindergarten school, one high school of choice, and two specialized campuses. High school students may also choose to attend the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) Programme or the International Business Academy (IBA) housed on two of the high school campuses.
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N O R T H W E S T H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N
Considered a fast-growth district, each year hundreds of new families choose to live in Klein because they appreciate its exceptional staff, excellent facilities, outstanding academics, exceptional sports and fine arts programs, active volunteer programs, and emphasis on student safety. Magnolia ISD www.magnoliaisd.org • 281-356-3571 Located 45 miles north of Houston and to the west of The Woodlands, the Magnolia Independent School District provides an outstanding learning environment offering innovative programs, modern facilities and exceptional teachers. The district serves approximately 13,000 students and provides a well-balanced curriculum to meet the needs of all students offering advanced academics, dual credit programs, Career and Technical Education career paths and certifications, Early Child- hood, and full-day Kindergarten. Magnolia West High School is the
Photo Courtesy of Rosehill Christian School
only public school in Montgomery County
excellent preparatory curriculum. One of
to offer the International Baccalaureate
the fastest growing districts
Diploma Programme. This prestigious,
among comparable size districts, Magno-
challenging academic program prepares
lia’s campuses include eight elementary
junior and senior students for the rigor of
schools, two 6th grade junior high schools,
college course work and is recognized by
two 7th and 8th grade junior high schools,
elite universities around the world as an
three high schools and one alternative
in the state
WE’RE ALL ABOUT ALL STUDENTS. From academics and hands-on learning experiences to renowned athletic programs, every child in CFISD is empowered to expand their horizons, encouraged to explore new interests, and provided a wealth of opportunities FULL COLOR to CONDENSED - CMYK helpSTACKED themWIDEmaximize their true potential. Learn more at CFISDspirit.com. OPPORTUNITY
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
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– ISSUE 1
high school. This growth has been met with excellent facilitates and increased community support.
and junior high school in the Fall of 2017
Students in the district are recognized for national and state accolades in academics, athletics, agriculture, health science, career and technology, fine arts programs, and the Navy Junior ROTC. District honors include National Merit Scholars and above average SAT and ACT scores.
The district employs an outstanding instruc-
The mission of Magnolia ISD is to provide an educational environment that will enable all students to develop essential academic skills for a lifetime of learning and to be responsible, contributing citizens in a diverse and changing world.
with a new high school that opened in the Fall of 2018.
and physical aspects of learning. Staff and educators work to empower each student to become an eager lifelong learner committed to academic excellence, integrity, responsible citizenship and service to others.
tional staff of 597 certified teachers. Of these educators, the staff has an average of 13.05 years of teaching experience and 142 teachers hold advanced degrees Montgomery ISD class sizes are small and average about 14.9 students for each teacher, which enables them to give their students individualized attention and in-depth instruction. Montgomery ISD maintains an environment rich in opportunities for their students to engage in and develop
their passions.
In addition, Montgomery High School was named one of Newsweek’s “Best High
Montgomery ISD www.misd.org • 936-582-1333
Schools in America”.
Montgomery ISD educates over 8864 students who live within the 231 squaremile boundary. The district has ten schools and has opened a new elementary school
lence, Montgomery ISD seeks to provide a
With an unyielding commitment to excelpremier academic program that recognizes the unique potential of each student and integrate the intellectual, social, cultural
The district tracks its students’ progress through the Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR). Details about the district’s involvement in these programs can be found on the Texas Education Agency’s School Performance page, www.tea.state.tx.us. Spring ISD www.springisd.org • 281 891-6000 Spring ISD is focused on its students and grounded in its community partnerships. It serves over 35,000 pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade students in a diverse district located 20-miles north of central Houston. Its vision states: Spring Indepen- dent School District will be a district of choice known for high-quality academics with innovative and specialized
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
43
N O R T H W E S T H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N
Photo Courtesy of Tomball ISD
programs that meet the needs of
Photo Courtesy of Tomball ISD
all
students in a positive learning environment. Guided by its strategic plan, Every Child 2020, the district supports the growth and development of all students. Every learner can succeed in Spring, with academic acceleration and enrichment available for the gifted and talented, while special education services are provided for those with disabilities. Bilingual instruction and English as a Second Language programs are also offered. A renewed focus on literacy for all and an expansion of
early childhood programs are
both part of the district’s commitment to prepare graduates who are college and career ready. In addition, student athletes from the district have made their mark at all levels of their chosen sports. Meanwhile, through district art, dance, music, theater, and speech programs, Spring ISD students have been recognized regionally and nationally for achievement in the arts. The district’s 38 campuses include 18 schools built within the last decade, as well as numerous renovated ones, ensuring that students have secure, modern facilities in which to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens – ready to contribute, compete, and lead in today’s global society.
44
Tomball ISD www.tomballisd.net • 281-357-3100 The Tomball Independent School District is a highly regarded public school system that maintains a reputation for excellence. The district serves approximately 17,000 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12 in 20 modern, well-equipped facilities that were designed and built with students and their needs in mind. The district is committed to high student achievement characterized by quality instruction, equality of opportunities and resources, and demonstrated results.
and by caring for individuals who reside in nursing facilities or nursing homes. Courses offered in Tomball ISD’s Career & Technical Education program offer additional educational opportunities as students decide on a career choice. As part of its mission to provide innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences that allow students to become responsible, productive citizens, Tomball ISD is proud that its students are graduating from high school ready for college, or with highly
Tomball ISD is proud to offer various academic programs that focus on ensuring students are college and workforce ready.
valued professional credentials in a variety
Courses in the Career & Technical Education department offer certifications that prepare students to become contributing members of the workforce within the Tomball community. The district also offers courses based on engineering curriculum provided by Project Lead The Way – a non-profit organization and a provider of K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. The Health Science program is another certification option for Tomball ISD students. This program prepares students for a career in the medical field by offering classes in medical terminology, nutrition, hydration and safety,
www.willisisd.org • 936-856-1200
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
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of industries. Willis ISD
Education is exciting for the more than 7,000 Willis Wildkats who attend one of five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Willis ISD is a growing K-12 district nestled between the
Sam
Houston National Forest and Lake Conroe. The District and all campuses once again achieved the highest rating of “Met Standard” under the 2016 State Accountability System. Since 2013, Willis ISD schools have earned a total of 15 Academic Achievement Distinctions Designations.
Higher expectations for student achievement are set every year and are complimented by a comprehensive array of rigorous academic programs including Gifted and Talented, Career and Technology, Advanced Placement, and Dual Credit courses. College-ready juniors and seniors can take Lone Star College courses in their high school classrooms, with some students graduating with more than 40 hours of college credit. Through the Career and Technology program, students can get a quick start on their career by acquiring skills in a variety of areas including architecture and construction, agriculture, audio/video technology, business management, health science, hospitality services and information technology. Individual talents and valuable life skills are enriched through the athletic, fine arts and extracurricular programs.
known for its consistently high scores on
in grades 6 thru 12 compete on a variety of
standardized achievement tests. More than
championship teams throughout the school
95% of graduates attend colleges and univer-
year allowing them to explore and develop
sities throughout Texas and across the nation.
God-given strengths and talents.
Sportsmanship and competition acquire
Covenant
deeper meaning at Covenant. Coaches
through art, music and drama. Starting in
encourage and train athletes to compete at
Pre-K, students receive instruction from art
high levels while instilling Godly character
teachers who offer children an awareness of
– on and off the field and court. Students
beauty and detail found in God’s creation.
inspires
artistic
expression
Willis ISD honors small-town values and traditions. It is a community that pulls together for the kids and develops personal connections with them and their families. At the same time, staff and educators are focused on preparing the students to live and work successfully in the global community of the 21st century.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Covenant Christian School www.covenantonline.com • 936-890-8080 Covenant Christian School is an interdenominational, Christ-centered, college-preparatory school situated on a 35 acre facility serving students in Pre-K through grade 12. The school is nationally accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). Covenant’s mission is for students to develop a sincere desire to impact the world with excellence and to glorify God in every area of life. Teachers challenge students to succeed and stand behind them with the support needed to fulfill their potential and reach their dreams using faith-based college-preparatory curriculum and experiential learning opportunities. Not surprisingly, Covenant is
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N O R T H W E S T H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N
The unparalleled music department stirs a lifelong appreciation for musical expression beginning with the youngest students continuing through senior year. Covenant’s championship Choral Praise Group travels to New York performing at Carnegie Hall in alternating years. In junior high, creative drama teachers instruct students in performance and production, serving as a springboard for the annual Junior Class Play at the historic Crighton Theater. A heartfelt and unwavering commitment to excellence underlies all that Covenant does with every student. Covenant is located at 4503 I-45 North, Conroe, TX 77304. For more information and to schedule a tour, contact the Admissions Office at 936-890-8080. Cypress Christian School www.CypressChristian.org • 281-469-8829 Cypress Christian School is a K-12 college preparatory private school founded in 1978.
CCS is accredited by the Association of
CCS offers strong academics with a variety
Christian Schools International (ACSI)
of STEM, Honors and AP courses. CCS
and AdvancED. Students are challenged to
is one of approximately 1,500 schools
develop their full potential and are taught by
worldwide to implement the AP Capstone
teachers committed to academic excellence
Program, which develops skills in research,
and to the Christian faith.
analysis,
evidence-based
arguments,
I Am A
Warrior Are You?
Serving grades K-12 throughout northwest Houston.
11123 Cypress N. Houston Road, Houston, TX 77065 | 281.469.8829 | CypressChristian.org
46
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
est. 1978
collaboration, writing and presenting, to better prepare students for college. Consistently, 100% of graduates are accepted to college and university, with over 90% accepted to their college of first choice.
Fusion Academy, The Woodlands
for kids who have mild learning difference,
www.fusionacademy.com • 281-419-1436
ADHD, social anxiety or school avoidance; those who have a demanding extracurricular
Fusion Academy is a fully accredited
schedule; and those who are gifted and need
private middle school and high school
more challenging material.
where all classes are one –to-one: one In the elementary, middle and high schools, CCS provides robust co-curricular offerings in both athletics and fine arts. In 20172018, the Warrior Football, Baseball and Boys Track and Field teams won TAPPS Division III State Championships. The award-winning fine arts program includes opportunities in art, photography, broadcast journalism, choir, digital media, drama, hornline and drumline.
student and one teacher per classroom.
Fusion Academy is so much more than a
This unique educational model was born
school. Along with being a full time, accred-
over 28 years ago out of frustration with
ited academy, they also provide class for
the status quo and the passionate belief
credit, hybrid programming, and tutoring/
in the power of positive relationships
mentoring. They work to find the right
to unlock academic potential. Fusion’s
“Fusion Fit” for every family that walks
school model isn’t solely about the smallest
through their door. They support students
class size possible; it’s about helping kids
currently enrolled at Fusion Academy, and
flourish not only academically, but socially
also support students attending local public
and emotionally, too.
and private schools over the summer and throughout the school year.
Biblical values are integrated throughout the curriculum and are a key component in athletics, fine arts and other co-curricular programs.
Many of their students feel like they don’t
Students serve the community helping neighbors, churches, food banks and care facilities. CCS students enjoy the chance to help others and to make a positive impact in the lives of others through servant leadership.
“fit” at a traditional school. That sense of
Their commitment to customized education
not belonging can make school an unin-
for every student is at the core of what they
spiring place to be. Fusion serves kids who
do at Fusion. They offer rolling admissions
aren’t flourishing in a conventional envi-
to get students back in school quickly; they
ronment, and offers them a community
have extended hours to meet student sched-
where they feel connected, supported, and
uling needs; and they are year round, which
understood. This creates a perfect solution
means they can get a student back on track
FINEST INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION IN THE WOODLANDS PRESTIGIOUS GLOBAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES. 5 REASONS TO ENROLL 1
GLOBAL FAMILY.
Our community members are from more than 34 different nationalities.
3
MULTICULTURAL EXPERIENCES. We share core values like tolerance and respect. We also teach languages such as English, Spanish, French and Mandarin.
2
RIGOROUS INTERNATIONAL BACCAULAURETE CURRICULUM.
4
SCHOOL IS LIKE HOME. Students feel comfortable with us.
Our Promise We prepare future leaders for a globalized world.
(IB) across all grade levels for students ranging from 3 to 19 years old.
5
UNIQUE STUDENT FOR THE BEST LIFE.
We offer the exclusive IB Diploma Programme, so they are prepared to be admitted into the Top Universities.
A GLOBAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE: IB EDUCATION AT YOUR REACH. If you are looking for an academic environment designed for student growth and success, access to experienced faculty who strive to meet the needs of individual learners, and a multicultural setting based on community building, come visit us at The Woodlands Prep International School. We have designed an attractive financial incentive plan that can benefit your family and provide opportunity. If you are interested, please request an appointment via email to admissions@woodlandsprep.org or call 281 516 06 00. 27440 Kuykendahl Road in The Woodlands, Texas. 77375.
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N O R T H W E S T H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N
for the upcoming school year or fulfill a
Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy
NAUMS certification in July 2008 and was
course requirement in one summer.
www.legacypca.org • 936-337-2000
recertified in April of 2014. Legacy Prep is
Houston Christian High School
Founded in 2005, Legacy Preparatory
Association of Colleges and Schools). The
www.houstonchristian.org
Christian Academy is a private Christian
school participates in ASCI and TAPPS.
also accredited by AdvancEd/SACS (Southern
school comprised of grades Pre-K through Houston and the Gulf Coast Region can be
12th. Legacy Prep prepares students to be
Primrose School of Barker Cypress
full of surprises. World class museums, five-
successful in college and life by providing a
www.primrosebarkercypress.com
star restaurants and star Houston Christian
rigorous academic background that is rich
281-225-0123
High School engages students to become
in opportunities.
impactful leaders through an empowering,
Primrose School of Barker Cypress is a
dynamic education within a spiritual world-
The school strives to develop a biblical worl-
private preschool that provides an exclu-
view. Houston Christian is an independent,
dview combined with community service, a
sive early learning approach that balances
nonprofit, coed day school accredited by
strong work ethic, and study habits critical
purposeful play with nurturing guidance
Independent Schools Association of the
to college-worthy students. The vision of
from
Southwest and serves nearly 500 students in
Legacy Prep is to cultivate parental involve-
creativity, confidence and compassion. They
ninth through twelfth grades.
ment in the educational process of their
believe who children become is as important
children and to come alongside parents to
as what they know. Primrose Schools is
Its method of encouraging student inquiry
prepare the students to be college-worthy,
accredited by the early education division of
has produced National Merit Scholars,
character witnesses for Christ.
AdvancED, a national academic accredita-
Fulbright Scholars, perfect SAT and ACT
teachers
to
encourage
curiosity,
tion agency.
scores, an average of $7 million per year
Legacy Prep is a University Model School certi-
offered in college scholarships, and grad-
fied by the National Association of University
“How
uates who attend the most esteemed
Model Schools (NAUMS), head- quartered
research-informed approach to teaching,
universities in the country.
in Fort Worth, Texas. The school attained
learning and care is unparalleled. They
does
Primrose
do
it?”
Their
CONTINUED ON PAGE 50 >
Teaching What Matters 2700 W Sam Houston Pkwy N | Houston, Texas 77043 | 713-580-6000 | www.houstonchristian.org HCHS_NW-RelocationAd-HalfPage_April17.indd 1
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
4/17/19 8:39 AM
– ISSUE 1
Fusion Academy The Woodland
One to One works
The value of fusion
You can't hide in a one-to-one classroom. You aren't competing with 40 other students to be heard. You aren't afraid to speak up because it's just you and the teacher. And there is no possibility of falling through the cracks.
Every student's path is different and we partner with others to help them achieve their goals, whatever they may be. Many of our students go on to attend a college or university, while some pursue a trade school, gap year, or another option.
Students and teachers spend their 50 minute class period together working through the material at a pace that works for the students. Our teachers work to first build trust with their students as a foundation for learning. We believe in the model "love, motivate, teach." Students aren't going to care about the material, if they don't feel connected with their teacher. A mentorship naturally forms, and that positive relationship drives student success.
While other schools may be cutting their art and music programs, we have a robust roster of electives for students to explore and pursue their creativity. We also have a wellness program that includes art and music, along with physical wellness and healthy habits. Students learn healthy self- expressions and how to deal effectively with stress, anxiety, low self- esteem, body image issues and social pressure.
beyond the classroom
Homework doesn't go home. Yes, you read that correctly. All students complete their homework in one of our Homework Cafe spaces on campus. Here, they have access to teacher help, and are kept accountable to finish their homework before leaving campus that day . No more nightly homework battles!
Schedule a tour to come see customized education in action! Call us at 281.419.1436 or visit us at fusionacademy.com
W HE N T RA DI T I ONAL SCHO OL S DO N ' T W O R K . ..
WE DO .
Fusion Academy is a fully accredited private middle and high school where positive relationships, one-to-one classrooms and customized education unlock the academic potential of every student.
fusionacademy.com Full-Time Academy
Hybrid Programs
ADVERTISER CONTRIBUTION
Class for Credit
Tutoring/ Mentoring
N O R T H W E S T H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N
From Curiosity to Wisdom A recognized leader in independent school education, The John Cooper School is celebrating 30 years of providing a challenging education in a caring environment.
Traditional educational practices combined with innovative programs teach students to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifetime learners.
Join Us For An Upcoming Admission Tour
JOHNCOOPER.ORG ONE JOHN COOPER DRIVE THE WOODLANDS, TX 77381
50
deliver more than a curriculum; it’s a lifechanging early learning experience for children and their families. The adventure of discovery and unparalleled learning that Primrose children experience comes from progressing through their comprehensive and connected Balanced Learning approach.
The Woodlands Prep International School woodlandsprep.org • 281-516-0600
“What is Balanced Learning?� Balanced Learning is Primrose’s exclusive, time-tested approach which nurtures intellectual, creative, physical and social-emotional development. It balances play and guidance to appeal to different learning styles; uses an inquiry-based early learning cycle; and enables teachers to focus on each child. Balanced Learning is created and regularly reviewed by early childhood experts, and is time-tested. The mission of Primrose Schools is to forge a path that leads to a brighter future for all children, and their vision is to deliver the best and most trusted early education and care for children and families across America. These are high standards, but necessary for the Primrose experience. “What is the Primrose experience?� It is the peace of mind that their people, their Balanced Learning approach, and their commitment to service excellence foster in those who interact with Primrose Schools. Stop by Primrose School of Barker Cypress for a tour so you can experience the Primrose difference for yourself.
The International Baccalaureate Organization recognizes The Woodlands Prep International School as an authorized provider of the IB Continuum, which is awarded to schools that offer IB programs across all grade levels for students ranging from 3 to 19 years old.
Primrose School of Barker Cypress is located at 16555 Dundee Rd, Cypress, TX 77429
A global learning experience for your family! The prestigious and rigorous IB international education system is offered for students from Pre-K to Grade 12th.
We promote intercultural understanding, tolerance, and respect. Our program emphasizes the formation of international people with integrity recognizing that happiness, personal growth, and learning are deeply embedded in ethical behavior. Each student is free to express who they are and, in an environment defined by mutual respect they share their family traditions and customs. The IB Diploma Program Certification is one of the most recognized academic achievements for high-school students attempting to enroll in highly competitive, top-ranked universities around the world. For more information email admissions@woodlandsprep.org
HIGHER EDUCATION
The John Cooper School www.johncooper.org • 281-367-0900
Lone Star College www.LoneStar.edu
An independent, PK-12, college preparatory school, located on 43 acres that were set aside for an independent school by Wood- lands founder George Mitchell. The school opened in 1988 and has grown to become one of the premier independent schools in the Houston area.
Houston and the Gulf Coast Region can be full of surprises. World class museums, five-star restaurants and star-studded entertainment are just some of the amenities that attract people from all over the world.
Cooper provides a challenging education in a caring environment. Traditional educational practices combined with innovative new teaching methods enable students to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifetime learners.
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
Another benefit the area enjoys is Lone Star College. Many people are surprised to learn that LSC has more than 99,000 students walk through its doors each semester. LSC is today’s smart choice for students looking to earn an undergraduate degree, start a new career or update their skills.
IT’S TIME
LoneStar.edu/Register
04.23.19.01
Get your pick of fall classes before they fill.
N O R T H W E S T H O U S T O N E D U C AT I O N
Vendor-Authorized - New Horizons offers an extensive selection of vendor-authorized training and
certifications for top
technology providers, such as Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and VMWare.
Being
an authorized partner ensures that the students have the highest quality training materials and train on the latest products and technologies available. Courses provided fall into categories like desktop applications, technical training and professional development. Flexible Training Approached Based on Learner Needs – They understand that not everyone’s learning needs or preferred methods are the same. Therefore, their flexible training approach gives the ability Students choose LSC because of the extra attention they get thanks to their small class sizes, averaging only 23 students per class, the convenient campus locations that are close to home and the flexible schedules LSC offers. No matter what their goals are, Lone Star College is ready to help them realize their dreams. LSC is recognized as a world leader in workforce training and helps build a strong regional workforce in industries like health care, construction, accounting, energy, computer technology and transportation. LSC also helps qualified students find financial aid and grant funding options that can provide training at little or no cost. Many students interested in a fouryear degree start at LSC, then transfer to the university of their choice, saving thousands of dollars without sacrificing quality. LSC students can also take advantage of the Honors College at LSC for high achieving students and study abroad and international programs, programs not commonly associated with a community college. High school students can get a jump-start on college with Dual Credit classes which allow them to earn high school and college credit simultaneously. Students save money on college tuition, complete their degrees quicker and build confidence by easing the transition to college. LSC was
52
recently recognized as a Top 5 producer of associate degrees, ranking fourth nationally among all community colleges in the U.S. by Community College Week magazine. LSC is a proud member of the community and a major contributor to the local and regional economy with an annual economic impact of nearly $3 billion. Affordable, close to home, world class. When you add up all the benefits, you can see why more than 99,000 students choose Lone Star College. Visit LoneStar.edu to learn more about the significant role LSC plays in our community. New Horizons - Your Partner in Training 713-552-1414 • www.nhhouston.com
to customize dedicated classes to satisfy specific needs. Learning methods include Online ANYTIME,
on-site
training,
private classes and Online LIVE. Online Live removes geographical
boundaries
from learning by bringing students and instructors together synchronously in a virtual real-time classroom environment. This
program
provides
students
all
of the benefits of being in a dynamic interactive classroom – enabling students to study from work, home or a New Horizons center. New Horizons offers real-time, cloud-based lab solutions as well, allowing students to access their labs anytime and anywhere. The state-of-the-art, fully-configured live lab environment provides students hands-on
For more than three decades, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers has been a leader in IT training. With over
access
100 locations worldwide, they have grown to become the largest independent training company in the industry. Their career and corporate training solutions help turn ambitious personal and business goals into results. They use varying training methods for virtually every schedule and learning style, along with vendor-approved learning tools and expert instruction. They have trained more than 30 million people to make the most of technology, and they feel like they are just getting started.
A Leader in the Industry - New Horizons
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
to the systems and applications
taught in the classrooms, empowering them to learn on their own schedules.
is ranked in the top 5% in the industry for training quality and customer satisfaction as reported by an independent third-party learning and quality assurance company, Knowledge Advisors. Plus, research shows that New Horizons training yields a 4:1 benefit-to-cost ratio, based on manager surveys
regarding
the
improved
performance and productivity of
their
employees immediately following New Horizons training.
LONE STAR COLLEGE
Reinventing the community college experience
Enrolling in a community college used to mean having to settle for less, but Lone Star College is changing that perception with a forward thinking approach to higher education. Many people are surprised to l e a r n t h at L SC h a s a d i ve r se group of more than 99,000 credit and non - credit students walk through its doors each semester. LSC is today’s smart choice for s t u d e nt s l o o k i n g to e a r n a n undergraduate degree, start a new career or update their skills. Students choose LSC because of the convenient campus locations that are close to home and the flex ible schedules L SC of fers. Plus they enjoy small class sizes, averaging only 23 students per class which offers greater attention given to their school work.
Many LSC students take advantage of the Honors College at LSC. These high achieving students get the opportunity to study abroad and take part in international programs, curriculums not commonly associated with a community college. They also have access to many e x t ra c u r r i c u l a r a c t i v i t i e s a n d exciting ways to get involved with their campus and other students with a comprehensive schedule of both intramural and club sports, as well as many clubs and student organizations. High school students can get a jump-start on college with Dual Credit classes which allow them to earn high school and college credit simultaneously. Students save money on college tuition, complete their degrees quicker and build confidence by
LSC is recognized as a world leader in workforce training and helps build a strong regional workforce in exciting industries like health care, construction, accounting, energy, computer technology and transportation. LSC also helps qualified students find financial aid and grant funding options that can provide training at little or no cost.
easing the transition to college.
Students interested in a four-year degree make the smart choice of starting at LSC before transferring to the university of their choice, saving thousands of dollars without sacrificing quality.
the benefits, you can see why Lone Star College is changing
Student success is our top pr ior it y. LSC is a top degree producer in the nation, ranking fourth overall and sixth in conferring degrees to minority students. Affordable, close to home, world class. When you add up all the way people think about communit y colleges. Visit LoneStar.edu to learn more about the significant role LSC plays in the community. ď Ź
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in this section continuing care retirement communities senior housing options assisted living communities
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
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ACTIVE ADULTS +senior living
The times of aging in America, they are changing – and many senior Northwest Houston and Montgomery County residents couldn’t be happier about it. Long gone are the days of mandatory retirement at age 65, and with it, the idea that one’s golden years were to be spent simply sitting quietly on the front porch in a rocking chair as they watch life go by.
More and more seniors don’t see them-
put out to pasture to watch the rest of the
selves as seniors (unless they get a discount
world go by. Today’s seniors now have
if they do). Increasingly, the years after age
many options, dreams and plans, and
65 are more numerous and more active.
very often, the energy to pursue them. Of
According to the U.S. Department of
course, people with more leisure time can
Health and Human Services, Americans’ life expectancy in 2000 was 76.8 years; in 2016, it was 78.6. One of the reasons is that Americans are healthier: today’s seniors visit the doctor and emergency
perfect their golf swing, or carefully tend their prized azaleas, but these days, they’re also choosing to go back to school, learn a new language, run marathons, volunteer,
room less, spend fewer days in hospital
or take up a new hobby. More people are
and exercise more.
opting to burn out rather than rust out.
Turning 65 no longer means receiving
And the options for living and playing are
a watch, a party and hearty congratula-
also evolving to meet the changing demands
tions for years spent at a job, only to be
of this growing group of people.
From upscale retirement communities that offer an array of housing, activity, exercise and social options, to full-care facilities that care for people with mental and physical disabilities, and every-thing in between, there is a senior living solution to fit every desire and need.
TAKING STOCK In order to narrow your options in what could be an overwhelming list of choices and to help seniors choose the best option, put some time into the stock-taking process by taking an inventory of living expenses, health, interests and expectations. Budget Inventory: what does it cost to live every
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A C T I V E A D U LT S & S E N I O R L I V I N G
a special type of home loan that lets you convert a portion of the equity in the home into cash. Guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD offers this federally insured private loan which can give people greater financial security to supplement social security, meet unexpected medical expenses, make home improvements and more. And, unlike a traditional home equity loan or second mortgage, seniors usually do not have to repay the loan until they no longer use the home as their principal residence, sell it, or pass away. The money from a reverse loan may be paid out in a variety of ways: a lump sum, a regular monthly cash advance, as a credit line account, or any combination of the above. To qualify, people must be at least 62, and own the home outright or carry a mortgage small enough to be paid off by the proceeds; there are no income or credit qualifications or monthly payments, but homeowners are responsible to pay the annual taxes, property insurance and maintenance of the home.
cool it, pay taxes or a mortgage on it? What other expenses may there be? Food, entertainment, transportation? What medical expenses should be put into consideration? Being as thorough and honest in the assessment one can will help those looking for senior housing make a more informed decision later.
stock. Be realistic about the situation, the expectations, the finances and health. It’s as important to consider access to medical doctors and facilities as it is to think about fun and leisure pursuits. Make sure the new community is one that will be enjoyable, that it has convenient amenities and access to services, and that a new house will be a good investment.
ACTIVE SENIOR HOUSING COMMUNITIES Healthy, independent
seniors may find
that they simply want to live in a community where they can enjoy the company of others and their own personal interests. Moving to an active independent living retirement community might be the best fit for the budget and lifestyle, where options include renting an apartment or purchasing a property.
The best way to determine if a reverse mortgage is the best fit for your retirement plan is to honestly assess the following: • How much would the home sell for on today’s market? • What would the cost be to buy, or rent, and maintain a new home?
mation packets and offer tours. A personal visit will give valuable, firsthand information and an opportunity to meet current residents who can share their own experience and insider’s view. Ask about health and fitness programs, organized activities, sporting options, and social opportunities. Other day-to-day living arrangements should also be considered, such as shopping centers and
Lifestyle inventory: How does one want to live? Need more time for golf ?
If
so, choosing a golf course to live on might be the right fit. How about volunteering? Deciding to move closer to the city, school or community center may be best. Want to make new friends? Many senior’s
seniors choose a new home, once again, take
Many active senior communities have infor-
month? What will be spent on housing or rental; how much does it cost to heat it,
activities that they now have time for. Before
• Would there be any money left over from the purchase of a new home that could be safely invested? • What are the options for downsizing into a less expensive home, renting an apartment, or moving into an assisted living or alternative senior housing situation?
communities are set up to allow
residents to do just that. Again, the more careful seniors are in their analysis, the
grocery stores within easy walking distance, and
the
availability
of
transportation
services. Where is the community located in proximity to major health care providers? What security measures are in place for residents? For ultimate peace of mind, seniors might opt to rent a home under a short-term agreement at first to make sure
(Visit AARP’s website and use their Reverse Mortgage Calculator: www.aarp.com).
the community provides for their needs and
PACK IT UP
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
lives up to your expectations.
more prepared they will be to make the right decisions.
STAY PUT Seniors can retire in their own home by with- drawing some of the equity they have built up with a reverse mortgage, which is
56
But maybe, it’s time for a move. Perhaps the 30-year family home is too big and they are rattling around it like a marble in a shoe box, or they are tired of the outdoor upkeep, or they want to be closer to the place or
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offers care in a residential facility for seniors, with a full menu of services and living situations. Residents may go from
independent living, to assisted living and nursing home care, depending on their individual, changing needs and abilities. A CCRC (also called Life-Care Facilities or Communities) generally offers a contract that covers a continuum of care, including access to housing, services, and health care for more than one year, or the balance of one’s life. It is a wise idea to move into a CCRC sooner rather than later, as most require that new residents live independently when they first move in. There is a range of contract options offered by CCRCs. An extensive-care contract is the most expensive, but carries the least risk, providing unlimited long-term nursing care at little or no additional cost for as long as nursing-home services are required. A modified-care contract comes with medium financial risk, and provides long-term health or nursing services for a specified period,
Most CCRCs expect an entrance fee, plus
Before signing a contract with a CCRC,
monthly fees thereafter. Some require an
conduct a thorough review of the
equity agreement where seniors purchase
ty’s services, operations and finances, and
contract offers an a-la-carte approach,
a condominium or co-op apartment on the
determine if it is appropriate to your needs,
requiring that residents pay separately for all
property instead of paying an entrance fee.
lifestyle and expectations. It’s also a good
health and medical services provided by the
Less commonly found are CCRC contracts
idea to ask a family attorney or accountant
facility, as well as long-term care.
where residents pay monthly fees only.
to review the contract. If the contract is
after which, the senior or guardian is responsible for additional costs. A fee-for-service
facili-
SENIOR HOUSING OPTIONS “The time to begin thinking about a retirement community isn’t when you have to have it,” advises Terry Martinez with Parmer Woods Retirement & Assisted Living. “Think about it when you don’t need it. There are a wide variety of alternatives available for every level of activity, health and need. Today’s Baby Boomers who are in or approaching their retirement years are taking advantage of active retirement communities where residents are vigorous and involved. Or, they are finding senior-care housing communities that em-ploy medically trained staff, provide housekeeping and meal preparation services, as well as transportation for shopping, medical visits, and social outing. Or, they are seeking a more physically and medically sup-portive environment. Whatever choice is best for you, it’s out there, but should be considered without stress.
And the prices vary. “When you’re trying to stay within a particular price range, you want to match your living requirements with services offered,” says Martinez. “If you are very independent and don’t need assistance – just want a meal plan, for example – then the associated costs are much less than for someone who requires more care.” Also, Medicare generally does not pay for long-term care, only for services deemed medically necessary that are provided by a skilled facility or home health care center. Medicaid will pay for certain health services and nursing home care for older people with low incomes and limited assets. The place you choose should facilitate life at a level of independence that is comfortable for you or for your loved one.
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A C T I V E A D U LT S & S E N I O R L I V I N G
dining facilities and common areas where residents gather to enjoy social and recreational activities. As with other options, a visit to the center is a must. Pay attention to first impressions: • Are the grounds well maintained? • Is the staff friendly? • Are the residents properly dressed? • What activities are available? ALCs that competently provide required services without forgetting about little details will give the same care and attention to residents.
NURSING CARE FACILITIES A Nursing Care Facility (NCF) is a state Photo Courtesy of rawpixel.com from Pexels
licensed, private-care facility that provides 24-hour skilled hospital care for residents who do not require hospitalization but
night and two days at the facility, to test
ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES
drive the community and make sure it is a
An Assisted Living Community (ALC)
It pays to shop around when selecting
good fit. Some points to consider include:
bridges the gap for those who need assis-
an NCF. Consult with a trusted doctor
tance with daily activities a nursing home
or health care practitioner for recom-
might offer, but wish to live independently.
mendations of nearby facilities. Plan on
Residents in an ALC are unable to live
visiting at least four or five area facili-
completely by themselves, but don’t need
ties, and make
constant supervision. An ALC offers its
the administrator or director of nursing.
residents assistance with eating, bathing,
Check to make sure that information
dressing,
and
provided is consistent with information
• Are there fitness facilities onsite?
keeping track of medications. They often
gathered during the facility tour. The
• Is the staff friendly and knowledgeable?
have centers for medical care, but typically
home should have clean floors and smell
do not offer the extensive medical services
fresh.
found agreeable, ask to spend at least one
• Are pets allowed in your residence? • What social, recreational and cultural activities are offered? • Is food prepared onsite? If so, how is it?
• What healthcare and personal care services are available?
laundry,
housekeeping,
cannot stay at home.
an
appointment
with
provided by a nursing home. An ALC
Ask to see the compliance survey report
• What preparations have been made for
is not a substitute for a nursing home, but
prepared by the State of Texas. It will
handling medical and evacuation emer-
rather is a stepping stone between complete
list deficiencies found in resident care
gency situations?
independence and services provided by a
during routine inspections, and the facil-
nursing home.
ity’s effort to correct them. Under Texas
• Is there easy access to offsite activities such as shopping and is transportation
law, nursing homes must make this and Often, an ALC will create an individ-
other survey compliance reports avail-
ualized service plan for seniors upon
able upon request, as well as a well-lit
CCRCs can be anything from high-rise
admission, detailing personal services that
place for review.
apartments, to cottages, townhouses or
will be provided. This plan is then periodi-
single-family homes, and are an excellent
cally reviewed and updated to
option for those who are independent and
changing needs are met. Housing in
the Texas
in good health, but might need some assis-
an ALC may be studios or one-bedroom
Disability Services (DADS) at 800-458-
tance with daily living needs or require
apartments with small kitchen facilities.
9858 or www.dads.state.tx.us. While state
skilled nursing care.
Typically, ALC housing units have group
law prohibits agency employees from
provided?
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
ensure
Another option available is to contact Department
of
Aging and
recommending one facility over another, they can answer the following recommended questions about any facility: • Have there been any proposed license terminations in the past two years?
ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CARE FACILITIES Seniors
diagnosed
with
Alzheimer’s
disease or another form of dementia need specialized care.
While some Assisted
Living Communities offer services and
• How many complaints have been filed in the past year?
separate facilities for residents with early
• How many complaints in the past year have been found to be valid?
sive nature of the disease, it may become
• How many deficiencies have been cited in the past two years?
facility that can give the right level of
• How many “quality of care” violations have been cited in the past two years?
onset symptoms, because of the progresnecessary to transfer the resident to another service. Facilities specializing in the care of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients should
• When did DADS last visit the facility, and what was the purpose of the visit?
provide a treatment plan that considers
• Has the owner of this facility had other facilities recommended for license termination?
but
The answers to these questions, combined with observations and impressions made during facility tours and staff interviews will allow you to select the right nursing care facility.
treatment reviews, all set within a calm,
not only the resident’s medical needs, also the needs
family
with
of
the
entire
social services, profes-
sional consultations and individualized soothing environment that is sensitive to the needs of the patient. Please visit www.agingcare.com for additional information on care for the elderly.
LOOKING FOR HOMES JUST GOT EASIER…
Search more than 8 million properties
Ask Your REALTOR®
HOMES And RENTALS HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
59
in this section moving companies forwarding mail utilities public transportation international relo info
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
RELOCATION INFORMATION
No one likes to move and it’s never without its headaches and hassles, but the more you understand the process, and your new environment, the easier the move will be and the faster you can start enjoying your new home.
MOVING COMPANIES
Also consider the size of your new space:
binding price. Every charge is itemized,
If you are moving from out of state, it may be necessary to hire a moving company. The best time to move is the middle of the month rather than the end or during summer vacation, when moving companies are busiest. If the move is less than 250 miles away, consider making the move yourself. Compare the relative costs of moving yourself versus using the services of a moving company, and be sure to take into consideration your time and effort, as well as your physical ability.
will it be larger or smaller than the home
so that if an item is added or deleted, it is
you’re leaving? If you’re a U.S. citizen who
easy to re-calculate the cost. The moving
is moving back from overseas, then you
company must also specify the length of
might have many items in U.S. storage, so
time the price quote is in effect, which is
you’ll need to plan the logistics of getting
usually 60 days. This type of estimate does
these to your new home as well.
not require additional payment over the
At the other extreme, the global economy of Houston and Montgomery County draws newcomers from all over the world, and there are a few important considerations to keep in mind when moving from overseas. If your overseas move is work-related, find out how much of the expense will be covered. As a general rule, many experts recommend scaling the move down to essential items and those with emotional value. Find out about import fees and duty costs, especially for items you may have purchased overseas.
amount of the estimate.
TYPES OF MOVING ESTIMATES
The non-binding estimate, which is the
Most companies give free estimates based
only type of estimate offered in some
on distance and the weight of household
intrastate situations, is not guaranteed.
contents. Some moving companies include
The real cost of services is determined
the costs of packing materials in their bid
after the truck is loaded and weighed,
while others break out supplies separately.
and charges above the estimate can run
Packing services, fuel charges, wait time and
more than 20 percent. Be sure to attend
temporary storage costs may vary consid-
the truck weigh-ins both before and after
erably so be sure to ask about all charges.
furniture and household items are loaded
Moving companies offer three types of esti-
to accurately calculate the total weight.
mates: the binding estimate, non-binding
The estimated amount of your move
estimate and not-to-exceed binding estimate.
should be entered on each form that is prepared by the mover, including orders
The binding estimate lists all items to be
for special services and bills of lading. If
shipped and the required services on the
the amounts are not included, do not sign
estimate form, and the price quoted is the
or accept the document.
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R E L O C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N
FURNITURE AND APPLIANCE RENTAL In some cases, it may be necessary to rent furniture or appliances while waiting for your old ones to be delivered, or while shopping for new items that will fit your new space perfectly. Some companies specialize in renting furniture to newcomers and offer packages by the household, the room or by the piece. They also offer different styles, along with accessories such as artwork, lighting, rugs and indoor plants. Flexible lease terms, quick delivery and professional setup and removal are some of the services offered by rental companies. If you decide you like a particular item or items, purchase is usually available. The third type of estimate, called the not-to-exceed estimate, is usually the best. The mover gives a binding estimate, then weighs the vehicle and reduces the price if the weight is less than anticipated. Ask all movers if they offer this type of service.
It is important to be sure you will be at your
FORWARDING MAIL
new home on the date the moving company
To submit your change of address, go to www.usps.com.
MORE CONSIDERATIONS
Tax deductions may apply to your move so
certificates,
Be aware that many moving companies fall behind schedule, so consider hiring a moving company that will guarantee a pickup and delivery date. Make sure those dates are in the contract. Pick-up and delivery dates should not be open-ended.
keep appropriate records. Contact the I.R.S.
licenses, automobile licenses, fees and
at 800-829-1040 or www.irs.gov, or ask your
inspections, divorce proceedings, DBAs,
tax preparer or attorney.
taxes, and more. Contact the county of resi-
TIPS FOR HIRING A MOVING COMPANY
The Harris County Civil Court House
Although moving companies provide liability insurance on household belongings by the pound, it is wise to purchase extra insurance that provides additional coverage, especially for those items that are more valuable.
• Select a moving company carefully and
20l Caroline, Houston, TX, 77002
visit www.protectyourmove.gov to confirm
713-755-6411; www.co.harris.tx.us
Before the movers arrive, get prepared. Take an inventory of your belongings and note their condition. If the moving company performs their own inventory, check it carefully against your own before signing anything. Should any of your belongings arrive with scratches, dents or other damages, photographs will help verify a claim so consider taking pictures of valuable items or making a video inventory before the movers arrive.
62
is scheduled to deliver. If no one is home to receive the delivery, your belongings will go into storage, and the moving company may
LEGAL RECORDS
require payment in cash before unloading.
Legal Records maintained by Harris County and Montgomery County include birth death
certificates,
marriage
dence for specific services offered.
their license. • The Southwest Association is another resource for information about moving
The Montgomery County Court House 210 W. Davis, Conroe, TX, 77301 281-689-3133; www.mctx.org
companies and they can be reached at www.mytexasmover.com or 512-476-0107, Toll Free: 800-759-2305 • Contact the Better Business Bureau for any complaints that might be on file at www. houston.bbb.org or 713-868-9500.
UTILITIES ELECTRICITY Retail Electric Providers compete to sell electricity, allowing consumers to compare
• The Interstate Commerce Commission
plans, pricing and features. The Public
offers a free brochure, “Your Rights and
Utility Commission recommends the three
Responsibilities When You Move.” You
“C’s” before selecting a provider: contact,
can also find the brochure on many
compare, and choose. Allow several days for
websites by searching for its title.
the order to process. If establishing service
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
for a new home or building, a permit or inspection may be required. Select electricity, natural gas, local phone and long distance, cable or satellite televi-
a number of these districts throughout Montgomery County and services vary by district. Contact your local city or home owner’s association for detailed information.
sion, and high-speed Internet services at www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com.
GAS CenterPoint Energy is the major provider for natural gas in the greater Houston and Montgomery County areas. As the regulated utility in the Houston area, CenterPoint Energy owns and maintains the electric delivery system as well as sells natural gas. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com to learn more. The ENERGY STAR program supports energy efficiency in new homes. Learn more about buying an ENERGY STAR home at www.energystar.gov. Water and Sewer Water, sewage and drainage services are typically provided by the public works department in each city, or by a municipal utility district (MUD). There are
Telephone, Cable, and Internet Service Greater Houston and Montgomery County have four area codes: 713, 281, 832, and 936. When placing calls, 10-digit dialing is required. The many telephone service providers to choose from also offer satellite and cable television services, along with bundled services, special promotional rates and discounts for newcomers. Consolidated Communications As more of us buy items requiring Internet service and create home networks, the demand for faster Internet increases. Consolidated Communications can now offer you the speed you need to run a complete home communications and entertainment system. Plans from 6 Mbps up to 1 Gig, free wireless router, no data cap and contract buyouts are available. Consolidated also offers Digital TV, Digital Phone and Home Security and
Automation services. Learn more at www. consolidated.com or call 844.YOUR.CCI. Terms and conditions apply. Services are not available in all areas. Trash Pickup The Cities of Houston, Conroe, Humble, The Woodlands and Spring, along with many other municipalities, provide trash pick-up. Call the solid waste department in your jurisdiction to find out which day garbage and light trash are collected. Some subdivisions opt to contract with local collection companies, and fees for these services are typically included in the homeowner’s association dues. Contact your homeowner’s association for information. Curbside recycling is offered in most neighborhoods, and drop-off recycling centers are located throughout the area.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, also known as METRO, is
Public Transportation PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION METRO is the primary public transportation service in the Greater Houston area. METRO has launched several initiatives in the Houston and surrounding area to make commuting around the city quick and easy for their customers. For more information, visit RideMetro.org.
• Local Bus METRO Local bus service runs mostly along city streets, making stops at every other corner along the designated route.
• METRORail The light-rail network features 23 miles of service stretching from the Texas Medical Center, Downtown, the Museum District. This efficient system even goes as far as Northline with numerous stops inbetween.
• Park & Riders METRO This service offers 27 Park & Ride facilities that are spread throughout Houston, offering direct, nonstop service to downtown, the Texas Medical Center and other major employment centers across the region.
• METROlift METROlift is the transit companies curb-to-curb shared-ride paratransit service. This services provides transportation for persons with disabilities who cannot be facilitated on the traditional METRO buses or light rail systems.
• METRO STAR METRO STAR STAR vanpool provides transportation directly to and from work and offers more than 700 routes in an eight-county area. Register online to find a match for your commute, or call 713-224-RIDE to help start a vanpool for your route.
+ HOV / Hot Lanes + Bike & Ride + Transit Centers
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R E L O C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N
recognized as one of the best and safest bus
OWNING A VEHICLE
if a driver is stopped for any reason, proof
systems in the nation offering an extensive
New residents must obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days of establishing residency. Texas residents moving to a new address within the state must update their license as well.
of liability insurance coverage will be neces-
system of bus routes and a growing network of light-rail lines. Express bus service is available to downtown Houston and other select shopping centers and business districts from the Greenspoint Transit Center, located near Interstate 45 North and Greens Road. For
commuting
alternatives,
METRO
provides Park and Ride services from transit facilities in Spring, and at Kuykendahl and I-45 North. The Harris County Motorist Assistance Program (MAP), sponsored in part by METRO, sends specially marked MAP vehicles to motorists who are experiencing car trouble on Houston area freeways. They are equipped to handle minor repairs and automotive emergencies. Houston’s major highways have High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes for vehicles with two or more passengers during peak travel periods. To share a ride, contact the METRO Carpool Matching Service, 713-635-4000. METRO offers curb-to-curb service for mobility impaired and disabled passengers. Call 713-658-0180 or visit their website www.ridemetro.org.
To obtain a Texas driver license, take proof of registration, proof of insurance, a Social Security card or a current W-2 form, and a valid out-of-state license to the nearest Department of Public Safety office. For license requirements including fees and locations, visit www.txdps.state.tx.us. Vehicles may be registered for license plates at district field offices in the county of residence. The cost is based on the model and year for cars and gross weight for trucks. Subsequent registration may be handled by mail or in person. Motor vehicle registration renewals may be purchased at various locations. Harris County 713-224-1919 • www.tax.co.harris.tx.us Montgomery County 936-756-0571 or 281-364-4200 www.montgomerytexas.gov
sary. The insurance required must provide: $30,000 bodily injury, $60,000 per person per accident and $25,000 property damage. A copy of the Texas Motor Vehicle Laws is available at www.txdmv. gov.
VOTING Texas voters must be 18 years old and register at least 30 days prior to an election. Those already registered to vote but who change precincts need to file an address change. For information, go to www.votetexas.gov. In Harris County, call 713-368-VOTE. In Montgomery County, call 936-756-0571 or 281-364-4200.
FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS For emergencies only: 911 For non-emergencies: 311 The Conroe Police Department and municipal police departments, the Montgomery County Sheriff, and Constables serve the region. The Houston Police Department or
Texas law requires that the driver and front seat passenger wear seat belts. Children eight years of age or younger or less than 4 feet nine inches tall must be secured in an approved car seat. Texas also has a mandatory automobile liability insurance law, and
the Harris County Sheriff may have jurisdiction in some areas. Active Crime Watch programs operate in numerous neighborhoods, and another very valuable program known as Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips and offers rewards for information leading to an arrest. Houston Crime Stoppers 713-222-TIPS (8477) Montgomery County Crime Stoppers 1-800- 392-STOP (7867)
PETS In most jurisdictions, pets not wearing licenses and/or on a leash can be impounded. Dogs and cats in Texas must be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Boosters are given one year after the initial vaccination, and pets will need to be vaccinated at one- to three-year intervals depending on local requirements.
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
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LIVE THE GIG
Delivering 1 Gig speed to your home through fiber-to-the-home technology. Discover new and exciting things the Internet has to offer with CCI! If your home is like most, you have multiple devices tied to one Internet connection in your home. These devices can be TVs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers, home security systems or game consoles. The more devices you have connected to your Internet connection, the more overall speed you need to support them.
Consolidated Communications, Inc. (CCI) offers 1 Gig service*, which is equivalent to 1,000 Mbps, and is among the fastest connections available to residential customers across the nation. The 1 Gig service gives you the freedom to do more.
CUSTOMERS WITH A 1 GIG CONNECTION CAN EXPERIENCE: - Use multiple devices at once without sacrificing speed - S tream movies, download videos and upload photos with virtually no buffering or waiting - Experience online gaming with a fast, stable connection - R un multiple security cameras and use “smart home� technology with remote access to video, locks, lights, thermostat and other household devices -W ork from home with a reliable connection that supports VPN access and video conferencing -W ith no data caps you never have to worry about tracking your usage
*SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL AREAS
TO FIND OUT MORE PLEASE CALL 844.YOUR.CCI OR VISIT CONSOLIDATED.COM.
ADVERTISER CONTRIBUTION
I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E L O C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N
TRANSPORTATION
Credit Card
Texas Drivers License Application &
www.creditcards.com • Request a credit card & debit card (ATM) when opening a bank account. • You will need a residential address, phone & place of employment, credit history.
Locations: www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/movingtotexas.htm • Texas has a 90-day grace period. • A written & driving skills test required.
MOVING TIPS What to do Social Security Number 1-800-772-1213 Information/ Application www.ssa.gov/forms Physical locations: 8989 Lakes at 610 Drive, 77054 16200 Dillard Drive, 77040 5414 Aldine Mail Road, 77039
• Credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders.
Apartment
number, proof of residency, lawful
Houston Apartment Association Q&A: www.haaonline.org • Prices for apartments are based on apartment size and number of bedrooms Rates typically include basic utilities (ask for details). • Rental requirements include: a credit & security check. Texas Drivers license, passport, bank statement, proof of employment, and a deposit. • Rental applications may require your credit history, employment history, rental history and criminal history, and disclosure of legal status or proof of legal residency. • You are responsible for your lease for the entire term of your contract. • If you terminate your lease contract early, rent may be accelerated and additional charges can be levied against you. • Get any changes to your lease contract or term in writing. • Be sure to ask about pet deposits. • Apartment locators will help you find an apartment and their services are free.
presence, status. • Proof of vehicle registry. • Completed application.
BANKING Credit Unions www.findabetterbank.com • Credit unions are owned by members. If your company has a credit union, you can easily set up an account and get a credit card. • Social Security number, a photo ID (passport), minimum deposit required.
THINGS TO KNOW Wait 10 days after your arrival to apply for a social security number.
Banks www.findabetterbank.com • A checking account can be opened individually or jointly. • A debit card will give you immediate
Takes approximately 2 weeks for the card to arrive. No fee for the application.
access online and at ATMs. • Social Security number, driver’s license, proof of residence, photo ID (passport), pay stub or utility bill and a minimum opening deposit.
Take original or certified copies of immigration documents, passport & biographical information & photo. 66
HOUSING
• Take your passport, social security
• I nternational banks in the USA include HSBC, Citigroup, Barclays, Deustche B ank and Credit Suisse • A n account at one of these banks can usually be opened in the US.
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
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Leasing a Home • You might be expected to take care of the yard on a weekly basis, maintain the property and abide by homeowner regulations. Always check lease agreement.
• Leasing a home is much like renting an apartment. • You will pay all the utility bills (water, power, trash pickup & cable). • You will need a TX driver’s license, proof of employment, credit & personal references & a deposit consisting of the first & last month’s rent.
• You will need your social security number, passport, health history, employer information, and a credit card.
Buying a home
Internal Revenue Service
• You can view homes for sale and find a Realtor who speaks your language on www.HAR.com.
Federal income tax for most workers is filed on April 15 of each year. There are numerous rules and regulations for expatriates, the following are resources to get you started. Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov
Realtor/Homes for Sale & Lease www.HAR.com • You can check your credit score through your bank. • To purchase a home you will need a good credit score based on your credit history. • Report all of your income on your tax return as mortgage loans require proof of income - typically your IRS return. • You do not need a Realtor to purchase a home, but Realtors are trained to help you with pricing and other legal responsibilities. • Realtors use various sources including Multiple Listing Service to find homes. • Realtors are usually paid by the seller, their services are free to buyers.
New Homes/Builders/ Communities www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com Realtors are independent and can help you locate a newly constructed home available from a variety of builders. Builder sales reps. work for the builder. If you are working with a Realtor, you should register your Realtor with the homebuilder when you arrive.
HEALTHCARE
Affordable Care Act www.healthcare.gov • If you are relocating to the U.S. for a job, the HR department will assist you with health insurance for your family. • To shop and compare health insurance visit the Affordable Care Act web page.
TAXES
Community colleges are located in all parts of Houston. Houston has numerous 4-year colleges and technical schools
State of Texas
Private Schools
Texas does not have state taxes. Texas collects 8.25% sales tax and property tax only.
• HoustonNewcomerGuides.com
EDUCATION Day Care:
www.childcarecenter.us • Some centers only care for children until they are ready for Kindergarten at age 5. Other schools offer Kindergarten. • Will need your child’s birth certificate, social security number, passport, application. • Schools vary widely, make several trips with and without your child at different times of the day. Ask for referrals.
Public Schools PK-12 Texas Education Association: tea.texas.gov • Required for children 6-18 years of age
• Houstonprivateschools.com • Privateschoolreview.com There are a variety of independent and faith-based private schools in the Houston area. • Enrollment is most cases is based on openings in certain grades. • Check with each school for enrollment requirements as they vary from school to school. • International schools offer the International Baccalaureate program and might be better suited for children planning to later attend university outside the US.
IMMIGRATION VISA Most questions are answered on the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration web sites below. Contact your Consulate about your country’s requirements. General How Do I Guides: • www.uscis.gov • www.uscitizenship.info Employment Visas:
in USA.
• www.travel.state.gov
• Child’s birth certificate, passport, social security number, transcript, doctor’s
• www.uscis.gov
statement.
Green Card:
• The Houston area has excellent public
www.uscis.gov/greencard
schools which serve students from Pre-K through 12th grade. • You can research individual school districts, schools, ratings and test scores at the Texas Education Association web site. Elementary school (grade 1 through 5 or 6), Middle school or junior high (up to grade 8 or 9), High school or senior high (up to grade 12).
Permanent Residents: www.uscis.gov Schedule appointment with USCIS officer: infopass.uscis.gov
PETS Entry Requirements: www.dshs.texas.gov • Dogs & cats must be vaccinated by 4 months of age followed by booster shots every couple of years.
College
• Pets not wearing license tags and/or
www.petersons.com
leashed can be impounded.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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PLACES OF
WORSHIP
There are a lot of decisions to make when establishing your new life in a new city, and one of the most important might be where to worship. Your new neighbors might be a great source of information: “Have y’all found a church yet?” they’ll say and they will be happy to help with directions and introductions.
And while it’s possible to find God (or Allah or Budda) in other places, church offers a community of like-minded and similar-spirited people to build relationships with. In addition to sacred enlightenment, places of worship can also provide social support, volunteer opportunities, educational options, even groups with common interests to join. If you’re looking to settle in and get to know new friends, a congregation might be the perfect group in which to find them. Luckily in Houston, every spiritual need can be met. It is the most diverse city in the country and home to a variety of religious traditions – a reflection of the rich, international cultural mosaic that
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NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
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makes up the city. It is also home to what is by far the biggest church congregation in America – Lakewood Church, a nondenominational charismatic Christian megachurch, which has an average weekly attendance of more than 52,000. But there are many options of all sizes and styles, and West Houston offers a variety of churches ranging from Non-Denominational to Methodist to Baptist. Not to be overlooked, there are also several mosques and synagogues. All places of worship should allow a haven for people to come together and connect over their common beliefs. If faith is a vital part of your daily life, you should be able to easily find your spiritual home here.
*Pew Research 2015
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
HINDU
Harvest Family Church
harvestfamilychurch.tv
Hindu Temple of The Woodlands
Living Waters Assembly of God
livingwatersonline.org
ISLAM
Living Word World Outreach
livingwordwoc.org
Cypress Islamic Center
Spring First Church
springfirst.org
JEWISH
The River Assembly of God
theriverag.org
Chabad of The Woodlands
jewishwoodlands.com
Congregation Beth Shalom
cbsw.org
Congregation Jewish
cfccnet.org
Community North
cjcn.org
Jewish Community North
cjcn.org
BAPTIST Champion Forest Baptist
championforest.org
Clay Road Baptist Church
gocrbc.org
Community Baptist Church
cbcwoodlands.org
Copperfield Church
copperfieldchurch.com
Cornerstone Baptist Church
cstonebaptist.org
Crossroads Baptist Church
crbctw.org
Cypress Creek Baptist
cypresscreekbaptist.church
Fairfield Baptist Church
fairfieldbaptist.com
woodlandshindutemple.org
cypressislamiccenter.org
LUTHERAN Epiphany Lutheran
elcsh.org
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
gslcthewoodlands.org
Grace Lutheran Church
graceconroe.org livingsaviortexas.org
First Baptist Church of Tomball
fbctomball.org
Living Savior Lutheran Church
First Baptist Conroe
fbcconroe.org
Living Word Lutheran Church
lwlc.org
First Baptist Church of Cypress
fbccypress.org
Prince of Peace Lutheran
popcopperfield.org
First Baptist Church Montgomery
fbcmontgomery.com
Resurrection Lutheran Church
churchthatcares.org
Houston Northwest Church
hnw.org
Salem Lutheran Church
salem4u.com
Jersey Village Baptist
jvbc.org
St. John Lutheran
stjohn-lutheran.net
Louetta Road Baptist
louettaroadbaptist.net
St. Paul Lutheran
saintpaulmagnolia.org
Spring Baptist Church
springbaptist.org
St. Timothy Lutheran
thirstyforjesus.org
Woodlands First Baptist Church
thewoodlandsfirst.org
Trinity Lutheran Church
TrinityKlein.org
BUDDHIST Texas Buddhist Association
METHODIST jadebuddha.org
CATHOLIC Christ The Redeemer
ctrcc.com
Prince of Peace
pophouston.org
Sacred Heart Church
shconroe.org
St. Anne Community
stanne-tomball.org
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
staoptw.org
St. Edward Catholic
saintedward.org
St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic
seascatholic.org
St. Matthew the Evangelist
stmatthewhou.org
CHRISTIAN Cy-Fair Christian Church
cfccnet.org
Cypress Creek Christian
cypresscreek.cc
CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ in Champions
championschurch.org
Cy-Fair Church of Christ
cyfairchurch.org
Jersey Village Church of Christ
jvcoc.org
Kleinwood Church of Christ
kleinwood.com
Magnolia Church of Christ
magnoliachurchofchrist.com
West Houston Church of Christ
westhoustonchurch.org
EPISCOPAL
Christ Church United Methodist
cc-um.org
Cornerstone United Methodist
cornerstoneumc.org
Faith United Methodist Church
faithumcspring.org
First United Methodist Church
fumc-conroe.org
Foundry United Methodist
foundrychurch.org
Klein United Methodist Church
kleinumc.org
Lakewood United Methodist
lakewoodumc.org
Spring Woods United Methodist
springwoodsumc.org
The Woodlands United Methodist Church
thewoodlandsumc.org
NON DENOMINATIONAL Calvary Community Church
calvaryhouston.com
Conroe Community Church
conroecommunitychurch.org
First Assembly of God
conroefirst.org
Living Branch Church
lbclife.org
The Crossing Church
thecrossing.cc
Vineyard Church of Conroe
conroevineyard.org
Woodlands Church
woodlandschurch.tv
ORTHODOX St. Cyril Orthodox Church
stcyril.us/orthodox-houston
saintjonah.org
Good Shepherd Tomball
goodshepherdtomball.org
St Jonah Orthodox
Holy Comforter Episcopal Church
holycomforterspring.org
PRESBYTERIAN
St. Aidan’s Episcopal
aidanschurch.org
First Presbyterian Church Conroe
fpcconroe.org
St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal
stcuthbert.org
Heritage Presbyterian Church
heritagepresbyterian.org
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal
saintdunstans.org
OTHERS
St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church
stjta.org
Hope City Church
yourhopecity.com
St. Mary’s Episcopal
stmaryscypress.org
Woodlands Church
wc.org HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
69
in this section hospitals & major medical facilities medical moving tips finding a doctor
70
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
HEALTHCARE RESOURCES The cutting-edge healthcare facilities, physicians and medical services available in Northwest Houston and Montgomery County have grown over the years to meet the healthcare needs of the communities they serve. Patients now have the opportunity to heal closer to home, work and family.
The city of Houston is world-famous for
strokes, rehabilitations
medical care. At the forefront of advancing
More
and other areas.
life sciences, Texas Medical Center is one
here
of the world’s most respected medical
www.texasmedicalcenter.org.
cardiac care, cancer research and therapy,
performed
trauma care, sports medicine, and many
than anywhere else in the world.
other innovative treatments. Staffs include
heart surgeries
are
top ranking physicians, quality nursing care and highly skilled support services.
centers. Each year, the Texas Medical Center receives 10 million patient visits. It
In addition to the most modern and
has 106,000 employees, 50,000 life science
comprehensive healthcare
students and thousands of volunteers. It is
the Greater Houston region,
in
Recent additions to personal health care
residents
options include specialty clinics that treat
home to 21 renowned hospitals, 14 support
of Northwest Houston and Montgomery
conditions such as smoking cessation and
organizations, and a myriad of academic
County areas can find family doctors and
weight loss. Wellness Centers affiliated with
and research institutions, and specialty
specialists, as well as neighbor- hood emer-
hospitals or a physician’s practice frequently
schools. As the largest medical complex in
gency clinics that are equipped to treat most
offer weight reduction, health management
the world with 9,200 beds, it is busy; a baby
illnesses, minor injuries and other health-re-
is born here every 20 minutes and a surgical
lated needs. With little or no waiting, walk-in
procedure begins every three.
patients can get a routine physical, school
facilities
immunizations, and standard screening
programs and medical spa treatments.
AREA HOSPITALS
The dedicated scholars collaborating at the
tests. Some clinics are located within stores
CHI St. Luke’s Health
Texas Medical Center have great expertise
or shopping centers and have extended
CHI St. Luke’s Health is dedicated to
in cardiovascular disease, cancer, children’s
hours to accommodate their patients. These
a mission of enhancing health through
medical
state-of-the-art
high-quality,
problems,
neuroscience,
facilities
offer
advanced
cost-effective
care.
In
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
71
HEALTHCARE RESOURCES
Photo Courtesy of CHI St. Luke’s Hospital
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Leading Medicine in Northwest Houston - Since opening in 2000, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has grown to serve the comprehensive health care needs of Northwest Houston. The not-forprofit, faith-based hospital, which is part of Houston Methodist, has 312 licensed beds and a medical staff that exceeds 900 physicians. “At Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, our mission is to offer leading medicine care where research, innovation, personalized care and service, and spiritual care and compassion all merge to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients,” says Keith Barber, chief executive officer at Houston Methodist Willowbrook
conjunction with physicians and commu-
understands that it’s the result of achieving a
nity partners, CHI St. Luke’s Health is
balance between the elements found within
committed to excellence and compassion in
each patient and in the greater communities
caring for the whole person. Health is not
as a whole.
ence of physical well-being, and our team
As part of the CHI St. Luke’s Health System,
of experienced, compassionate physicians
they are backed by one of the nation’s top
and staff understands that it’s the result of
health care providers to bring you access to
achieving a balance between the elements
incredible hospitals and emergency centers
found within each patient and in our greater
throughout the Greater Houston area and
communities as a whole.
the expertise of the most compassionate caregivers in the region. A reason the fami-
North
Houston
community
is
lies here choose CHI St. Luke’s Health—The
constantly growing, and it’s part of our
Vintage to keep them healthy. Make an
healing mission to grow with it. We’re dedi-
appointment with one of their experienced
cated to bringing well- ness to every member
physicians at ApptASAP.org
of our community by providing expert hospitals in The Woodlands and Spring-
Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital
woods Village, plus freestanding ERs and
Providing top-notch healthcare to the North-
specialist clinics, we have you covered, no
west Houston area since 1983, Cypress
matter where you are or what you need.
Fairbanks Medical Center is a community
resources at convenient locations. With
Houston Methodist. The hospital’s comprehensive services include: • Accredited Chest Pain Center and certified
merely the absence of illness or the pres-
Our
Hospital and senior vice president of
cornerstone when it comes to health and
Primary Stroke Center • Freestanding emergency care centers in Spring and Cypress • Award-winning maternity services with a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit staffed on-site by neonatologists
and
nurse practitioners from Texas Children’s Hospital; Midwifery services for expectant mothers seeking “high-touch, low intervention” care. • Comprehensive Cancer Center including a Breast Care Center, an Infusion Center for outpatient chemotherapy and an oncology nurse navigation program to guide patients from diagnosis through survivorship.
CHI St. Luke’s Hospital at The Vintage
care for families. Cy-Fair Hospital has 180
CHI St. Luke’s Health is dedicated to a
beds and nearly 500 doctors and skilled staff
medicine and
mission of enhancing health through high-
members. They offer a 24-hour emergency
from Houston Methodist Orthopedics &
quality, cost-effective care. In conjunction
care facility, a Primary Stroke Center, an
Sports Medicine at Willowbrook; Sports
with physicians and community partners,
accredited Chest Pain Center, pediatric care,
Performance services including sports
CHI St. Luke’s Health is committed to
bariatrics, ob-gyn services and much more.
nutrition, strength and conditioning, sports
excellence and compassion in caring
Cy-Fair Hospital also has received advanced
psychology and exercise physiology
for
spectrum
of
orthopedic,
rehabilitation
sports services
the whole person. Health is not merely the
Level
absence of illness or the presence of physical
from the Texas Department of State Health
• A collaborative approach to treating back
well-being,
Services, making their facility the first in the
and neck pain, which includes orthopedic,
Cy-Fair area to receive this honor.
neurological and rehabilitation services.
and
their
team
of experi-
enced, compassionate physicians and staff
72
III
• Full
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
Trauma Facility Designation
– ISSUE 1
• Minimally invasive robotic surgery options
Quality from The Joint Commission and the
and Recovery Center for chemical depen-
for conditions across a variety of special-
National Quality Forum, the nation’s guard-
dency
ties including bariatric, cardiac, colon and
ians of health and safety.
array of home health services, rehabilitation
treatment;
and a comprehensive
centers, outpatient imaging and laboratory
rectal, gynecologic, thoracic, urogynecoOne of the largest not-for-profit health
services including The University of Texas
systems in the nation, Memorial Hermann
MD Anderson Cancer Center Breast Care
Memorial Hermann
serves Southeast Texas and the Greater
with Memorial Hermann. The system’s
Advancing Health in Houston - Memorial
Houston community with 17 hospitals,
comprehensive ambulatory care network
Hermann has created Houston’s largest,
including four in the Texas Medical Center, a
also includes Memorial Hermann Urgent
full-service, integrated health system focused
level I trauma center, a hospital for children,
Care and Memorial Hermann Convenient
on advancing the health of the community.
an orthopedic and spine hospital, and one
Care Centers. Everyday Well.com connects
For the system’s 5,500 affiliated physicians
of the top two rehabilitation hospitals in the
you to Memorial Hermann’s comprehensive
and 26,000 employees, it means exercising
United States, along with 10 suburban hospi-
network of care, with convenient physical
uncompromising commitment to deliver
tals and two surgery centers. Building on a
locations, virtual care and easy-to-use online
the best health care possible by harnessing
strong relationship with McGovern Medical
tools for managing your health.
leading-edge technology and using the safest
School at UTHealth, the system also
methods. For patients, it means having the
operates three Heart & Vascular Institute
THE WOODLANDS - Since 1985, Memo-
best tools to prevent health problems as well
locations; the Mischer Neuroscience Insti-
rial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital
as the best chance to regain their health
tute at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical
has provided high quality, patient- and
following an illness or injury. It’s no wonder
Center; the IRONMAN Sports Medicine
family-centered care. It is the first and
Memorial Hermann is the only Houston
Institute at four locations; Women’s Memo-
only hospital in Montgomery County to
health system to receive both the National
rial Hermann. Additionally, the system
be granted Magnet® status for nursing
Quality Forum’s National Quality Health-
operates Memorial Hermann Life Flight®
excellence by the American Nurses Creden-
care Award in 2009 and the 2012 John M.
– the largest and busiest air ambulance
tialing Center. And it is also the first and
Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and
service in the United States; the Prevention
only hospital in the county to earn the
logic and urologic surgeries.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
73
HEALTHCARE RESOURCES
prestigious international recognition as a Baby-Friendly® designated birth facility by Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. for providing optimal care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Memorial Hermann The Wood- lands has 351 beds and is a primary stroke center and part of a citywide, accredited Chest Pain Center network and features open-heart surgery, complex arrhythmia services and cardiac rehabilitation. It is home to a Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute and TIRR Memorial Hermann rehabilitation services. CYPRESS - Located in the dynamic and fast- growing Cypress area, Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital brings the
MOVING MEDICAL TIPS
expertise of the Memorial Hermann Health System, including the region’s top medical specialists, to families in the Cypress and Northwest Houston area. Their affiliated, board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals employ advanced medical equipment and state-of-the-art technology to
1
If you have a special healthcare need or requirement, refer to and call the healthcare advertisers in this publication to get information.
2
Call the offices of all your current physicians/dentists and tell them that you are moving. Ask for referrals they might be willing to make.
3
If you have already selected physicians/dentists, ask your current physician to forward copies of the records of each of your family members to your new doctor.
4
If you have not yet selected physicians/dentists, ask your current physician/ dentist to make copies of pertinent records of all your family members for you to take with you. Pack these records in your suitcase, not in the moving van, so they will be readily available in case of an emergency.
address the community’s healthcare needs, from routine outpatient visits to complex inpatient procedures. Opened in Spring 2017, the 81-bed Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital offers eight operating rooms, 16-bed intensive care unit, labor & delivery, NICU, cardiac catheterization lab, a Life Flight helipad and 24-hour, state-of-the-art emergency care by board-certified emergency medicine physicians affiliated with Memorial Hermann and nurses specially trained in emergency care. On the same campus, a new 125,000-square-
5 6
It is extremely important that you get the immunization records for your children before you move. You cannot enroll your children in local schools without these records. You will also need certified copies of your children’s birth certificates as well as the addresses of your children’s former schools. If you are a member of a healthcare HMO/PPO plan, or have a prescription drug card, be sure to notify the company of your moving plans. The insurance company should be able to provide you with a list of physicians/ healthcare facilities in the area.
foot medical plaza houses physician offices for a variety of affiliated specialists as well as adult and pediatric health care provided by Memorial Hermann Medical Group. The medical plaza also includes outpatient lab and comprehensive imaging services (including mammography by MD Anderson Breast Care with Memorial Hermann) and sports medicine and rehabilitation.
7
Pack an emergency first aid kit to take en route to your new home. Items such as bandages, thermometer, pain killers or aspirin, antihistamine, firstaid ointment, tweezers and decongestant can come in handy.
Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital is located at 27800 Northwest Freeway (Hwy 290), Cypress, Texas, 77433, east of the Grand Parkway between Mueschke and Mason.
74
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
A TRADITION OF INNOVATION AND COMPASSION We are honored to serve the growing Northwest Houston communities by providing compassionate, world-class care close to you. Our specialties and services include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Accredited Chest Pain Center Breast Care Center Cancer Center Cardiology Cardiovascular Surgery Childbirth Center Colon and Rectal Surgery Emergency Medicine Gastroenterology General Surgery Imaging and Diagnostic Services Infusion Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Neurology Neurosurgery Obstetrics and Gynecology Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Radiation Oncology • Rehabilitation Services • Robotic Surgery • Sleep Center • Spine Center • Sports Performance Services • Stroke Care • Urogynecology • Urology • Vein Clinic • Weight Loss Surgery • Wellness Center • Women’s Services • Wound Care
Visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook or call 281.737.2500 to learn more or to find a physician.
18220 State Hwy. 249 | Houston, TX 77070
HEALTHCARE RESOURCES
North Cypress Medical Center
The hospital was located and designed to be
exactly why we are building Texas Chil-
North Cypress Medical Center is a 175-bed
a staple in the Cypress/Northwest Houston
dren’s Hospital The Woodlands.
physician-owned, general acute care hospital.
area, located off highway 290 and accessible
Their services include the absolute latest
to the entire Northwest Corridor.
including state-of-the-art equipment and technology, fantastic physician on staff and a beautiful upscale building, much like a 5-star
The communities in this area are some of the fastest-growing in the nation, with a
Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands
combined population already exceeding
As Houston and its surrounding communities grow, Texas Children’s Hospital
1.1 million. The pediatric population alone
continues to expand as well. Texas Chil-
is projected to grow to more than 350,000
has achieved many accolades including
dren’s is not only committed to meeting
in the next three years. In order to meet this
falling in America’s “Top Best Hospitals for
the needs of patients and families we serve,
need, Texas Children’s Hospital The Wood-
Coronary Intervention” by Healthgrades
but we are committed to doing that in a
lands, a 560,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art
and also recognized by WomenCertified as
way that works for them. For so many, this
facility, is being designed specifically to serve
One of “America’s Best Stroke Centers”.
means providing care close to home. That’s
children and families. We are proud that the
hotel. Northwest Cypress Medical Center
hospital will be the first dedicated to children’s care in The Woodlands community. Outpatient services are now offered
at
Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands. The Outpatient Building houses 72 exam rooms and nearly 20 areas of specialized care including cardiology, sports medicine, diabetes and endocrinology, neurology and hematology/oncology.
Inpatient
services,
including the emergency center, will open in 2017. The hospital will house 32 inpatient rooms, 25 emergency center exam rooms, four operating rooms, 12 radiology rooms and 28 critical care rooms, with plans to
FINDING A DOCTOR
add up to 200 additional beds in the future to
Moving to a new city is exciting, but it also requires finding the grocery store you like, the schools your kids will attend - and the healthcare practitioners that fit the needs of your family. The following is list of local and national physician resource, including the American Medical Association - where you can search for general practice physicians by location, specialty, and more.
Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands is
American Medical Association: Resource for general health information, as well as a search function for local physician resource under the “Patients” tab of the site. www.ama-assn.org
including Montgomery, Walker, Grimes,
American Academy of Pediatrics: National website for children’s health resources; separate “Parenting Corner” website is comprehensive site for health-related news, questions, and other topics. www.aap.org • www. healthychildren.org
The hospital building project is part of
Texas Medical Association: Listing of member physicians across the state, as well as information on general health resources; go to the “Find A Physician” tab to search by specialty or location. www.texmed.org
$475 million fundraising effort is to help
meet community needs.
led by Michelle Riley-Brown, president, Dr. Charles Hankins, chief medical officer and Dr. Jeffrey Shilt, chief surgical officer. Texas Children’s anticipates serving families in counties throughout Greater North Houston Liberty, Harris, Polk, San Jacinto and Hardin counties and beyond.
Promise: The Campaign for Texas Children’s Hospital. The goal of the comprehensive
ensure that Texas Children’s continues to meet the needs of the patients it serves 5, 10 and even 20 years from now. For more information, visit texaschildrens.org/woodlands.
76
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
TRAILBLAZING CARE
For more than 60 years, we’ve pushed boundaries and explored new territory in our quest to provide the best care for kids. Today, we’ve got families covered, whether you need cutting-edge treatment, emergency care, convenient subspecialty pediatric care, or a trusted urgent care or primary care provider. With Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands right in your neck of the woods, you’ll find us here when you need us. For maps and more information, visit texaschildrens.org/woodlands.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM © 2018 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. WLD_039190_18
77
in this section north houston major employers local chambers of commerce houston by the numbers city of conroe top employers
78
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
BUSINESS &
COMMUNITY If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a newcomer relocating to the Houston region for the city’s tremendous employment opportunities – some of the best in the nation.
Within the 600-square-mile Houston region,
The
no area shines brighter than the Northwest
opportunities always exist. If energy is
Houston and Montgomery County area,
floundering, other sectors sail on. More
home to one of the largest recent corpo-
than 8,200 vessel calls and 215,000 barges
Northwest Houston is a significant part
rate relocations anywhere in the nation.
pass through the Port of Houston in annu-
of this dynamic business environment and
ally. One of the region’s largest employers,
continues to see growth in corporate relo-
the Texas Medical Center should handle
cations,
another 10 million patient-visits. Area
new residents. With the opening of
refiners will continue to supply one-fourth
Houston campus of Exxon Mobil near I-45
of the nation’s gasoline, diesel and jet fuel
and the Hardy Toll Road, this trend will
needs. International trade will continue
continue. The state-of- the-art campus will
to be a significant contributor to Hous-
house its Upstream, Downstream, Chem-
Houston is still the place for business and work. A year after the oil bust reached its bottom, the city’s economy is recovering, but slowly. From October 2017 to October 2018, the Houston metropolitan area added about 117,800 jobs. The unemployment by the end of March 2019 was 3.7 percent,
city’s
diversified
economy means
public education), leisure and hospitality and health care.
business
development
and the
ton’s economy; more than 5,000 Houston
ical companies and associated service
lower than it has ever been in more than
firms will engage in international business.
groups and will ultimately accommodate
a decade. If the price of oil continues to
Another new Houstonian will arrive about
10,000 workers. Other prestigious compa-
rise, the Houston area will see a possible
every 4 minutes, and this population growth
nies located in Northwest Houston are
increase of 71,000 or more in jobs for the
will continue to drive job gains in a number
Sysco, Friendswood Development, and
year 2019.
of sectors, including government (especially
Hewlett-Packard.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
79
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
NORTH HOUSTON MAJOR EMPLOYERS
works
dealerships, grocery stores, hotels, eateries,
partnerships and provide leadership for
and any other service or product a thriving
progressive development and growth while
city requires. Tech companies have lined
enhancing the quality of life in Mont-
up along SH 249 and the Vintage Park is
gomery County.
Anadarko Energy Svc. Co.
an 84-acre complex of high-end shopping,
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
entertainment, restaurants and professional
Archrock Inc
office space. Newcomers can expect to find
Baker Hughes
clusters of office
BP Bredero Shaw
buildings,
warehouses
and light manufacturing facilities. Service companies,
building
and construction
companies, suppliers, and related business
Broadcom Corp.
groups continue to fill the existing commer-
Callfasst International Corp
cial spaces. In fact, this part of Houston is
CB&I Inc.
known for its distribution facilities due to its
Conroe Regional Medical Ctr.
handy location.
Criminal Justice Dept. DB Schenker USA
Source: SalesGenie InfoUSA and information provided by area chambers of commerce and economic development agencies
Area businesses run the gamut with auto
While all of Northwest Houston is benefitting from the new ExxonMobil campus, The Woodlands, Spring and I-45 North areas are
Express Jet Airlines Inc.
also undergoing major change. ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil Downstream
has grabbed the headlines lately – and rightly
ExxonMobil Upstream Research
so – but Montgomery County is also home
FMC Material Handling System FMC Tech Measurement Solutions
to a growing number of major companies, including Anadarko Petroleum, with its 2,400 employees in The Woodlands. With other big employers including Hewitt Associates, Baker
FMC Technologies Inc.
Hughes and Huntsman, The Woodlands has
GE Oil & Gas
become one of Houston’s biggest employment
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
centers and is sprouting an impressive skyline
Halliburton Co.
visible along I-45 North. There’s already talk
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Houston Northwest Medical Ctr.
of this region emerging as Houston’s second “Energy Corridor.”
generate
awareness,
create
Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce www.CyFairChamber.com Cy-Fair boasts a favorable business climate in which to live and grow. Since 1986, the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce has represented business in one of the fastest growing areas of Texas, providing a voice for the over 500 members to establish strategic partnerships in transportation, education
Estelle Unit
Fleetpride Inc
to
and
infrastructure. Members
include small to medium organizations to Fortune 500 companies, and benefits include mentoring new businesses, exclusive sponsorship and marketing opportunities, instructive seminars, workshops and valuable data resources. The Chamber is also active in growing economic development, facilitating transportation, as well as supporting schools and educators to ensure a skilled or highly trained work force for the future. Members of this dynamic network take advantage of
opportunities
to
grow
their businesses, build relationships and interact with the community. The Grand Parkway Association www.grandpky.com
Kingwood Emergency Hospital
As the need for more employees and
Lone Star College-Cy Fair
houses grow, so too, does the need for
Montgomery County Courthouse
buildings and facilities for businesses
The Grand Parkway (SH99) is a proposed
serving them. The Northwest Houston
180+-mile circumferential scenic highway
and
traversing seven counties and encircling
Mrs. Baird’s Bakeries Inc. MS Energy Svc. Nabors Drilling USA LP New Caney ISD NOV Nova Health Care Ctr.
Montgomery
County
areas
are
hopping and full of energy. Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce www.conroe.org
the Greater Houston region. This third outer highway loop is funded by various sources, and its first segment, from US-59 to north of IH-10W, was opened to traffic in August 1994. Two new sections through
PCS-CTS
First organized as the Montgomery County
north Houston from US-290 to US-59 have
Ricoh USA
Chamber of Commerce in 1934, the Greater
just been opened. Development on the
Schlumberger
Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of
highway continues.
TAS Commercial Concrete
Commerce is celebrating 83 years of service
Tomball Regional Med. Ctr. Wood Group Mustang Engineering
80
to the Montgomery County area, having grown from three members to more than 1,100 today. This dynamic organization
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
Greater Conroe Economic Development Council www.gcedc.org
The Greater Conroe Economic Develop-
relationships so businesses can prosper.
GTACC and its partners work together to
ment Council works to link new or relocating
First organized in the 1920s, the Greater
ensure spirit of community and quality of
businesses to all the resources they need,
Tomball Chamber of Commerce has since
life are more than just phrases in this city
allowing them to make informed decisions
grown into a vital organization with an
with a heart.
and enjoy a seamless transition experience.
excellent reputation for representing the
Their mission is to enhance the strength and
interests of its members, while providing
stability of the greater Conroe economy by
passionate advocacy for the community.
supporting existing businesses and industries
The Chamber’s Program of Work is divided
and attracting new ones, bringing in new capital and employment opportunities. Greater Magnolia Chamber of Commerce www.magnoliatexas.org
into four categories: Economic Development, Community Service, Special Events and Membership Development. Through these initiatives, members have the opportunity to network with other business people
The Greens Bayou Corridor www.greensbayou.org The Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition seeks to benefit the economy and enhance the quality of life for the more than 500,000 residents in the Greens Bayou watershed through flood mitigation, parks and trails development, and economic growth.
The Greater Magnolia Chamber of Commerce
and community leaders, work to generate
has served Southwest Mont- gomery County
publicity about their own business through
since 1982, supporting area businesses and
active involvement in Chamber
giving back to the community. The Chamber’s
or have a role in community affairs. In
leadership has succeeded in providing answers
addition, members can take advantage of
to members and the community, increasing
of scenery and wildlife of the bayou is as
many events organized by the Chamber,
mobility and improving environmental quality.
diverse as the neighborhoods through which
like Business After Hours, Networking
it runs.
Greater Tomball Chamber of Commerce www.tomballchamber.org
activities
Greens Bayou meanders approximately 45 miles from Jersey Village, across north Houston, through Greenspoint and down to the Houston Ship Channel. The variety
Luncheons and Breakfasts and others. The golf classic, the Chairman’s Ball, Tomball
Working with partners and stakeholder
Night, Tomball Holiday Parade and Miss
groups, the Coalition’s mission is to develop
The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of
Tomball Pageant are major events in the
Greens Bayou Corridor as: an essential,
Commerce provides resources and fosters
City of Tomball.
attractive
and
well-planned
multi-use
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
81
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
waterway; a linear park and trail system; a
HOUSTON by the NUMBERS Want to know how living the Houston area compares to other cities? Assuming a $60,000 salary in the city you’re moving from and that you’d own a house here, we used a salary/cost of living calculator to help figure out the rest. If you made $53,759 in Denver, for example, your salary could decrease to $41,995 in Houston - and you’d still maintain the same standard of living. See the table below for the results from a sampling of other cities.
MOVING FROM HERE
SALARY
utility corridor; and a high-capacity crosscountry transit/highway link. The Coalition also seeks to improve the viability of businesses along the bayou corridor by fostering economic
development,
minimizing
flooding, preserving desirable green space and providing transportation and utility services. Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce www.houstonnwchamber.org The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce works to develop successful
MOVING FROM HERE
SALARY
businesses and a thriving community, on a variety of fronts, including road access
Phoenix
61,439
New York City
25,910
projects,
legislative
issues,
connectivity
Detroit
61,825
Los Angeles
41,995
economic development initiatives. Member-
Austin
61,375
Chicago
50,705
San Francisco
33,401
Las Vegas
54,454
Boston
40,831
Portland
45,498
Denver
53,759
St. Louis
63,697
Miami
52,466
Raleigh
65,104
Pittsburgh
59,756
Cincinnati
64,818
least eight different community grass roots
Dallas
61,311
Charleston
58,336
Greenway Case Study, a Livable Center
events, workforce development projects or ship businesses can expect unique marketing and visibility through the chamber, as well as access to products and customers to help their businesses grow. In addition to advocating for area business, the Chamber is also interested in maintaining livability and, in the last few years, has hosted, sponsored or supported at initiatives including the Cypress Creek Study Grant and several crime prevention task forces. A key initiative, Grow Northwest is
a
strategic plan to build
upon the community’s successes and to advance the local economy. Learn more at www.GrowHoustonNW.com Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce www.magnoliaparkwaycc.org The
Magnolia
Parkway
Chamber
of
Commerce promotes member businesses and encourages economic in their service area
along
development FM
1488,
FM 2978 and beyond. Calling itself “the Chamber without borders,” it hosts monthly meetings and events throughout the year for members and prospective members.
82
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
Visit us today at
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
83
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
Montgomery County Hispanic Chapter www.mchchamber.org Anyone with an interest in supporting or developing a relationship with the Hispanic business
community
in
Montgomery
County and surrounding area is welcome to join the MCHC. Not only do they work to help businesses penetrate the growing
CITY OF CONROE TOP EMPLOYERS Conroe Independent School District
Medivators Inc
Elementary And Secondary Schools
Mckesson Pharmaceutical
Conroe Independent School District
Ball Corporation
Montgomery County
Huntsman Petrochemical Llc
Conroe Regional Medical Center
Ms Energy Services
Hispanic market, but they are also involved
Nov Downhole
with issues important to the Hispanic
City Of Conroe
community, such as immigration, day labor,
Consolidated Communications Services
education and health.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc
North Houston District www.northhouston.org
Protect Controls Inc Crown Beverage Packaging Team Oil Tools San Jacinto River Authority
Nov Fluid Control 3 Locations
Nexeo Solutions Llc
Professional Directional
Bauer Manufacturing
Tri-County Services Inc
Streater-Smith Honda Nissan
The North Houston District is a dynamic
Gullo Cars Of Conroe, Inc
community 15 miles north of downtown
Jyoti International Inc
Hempel Coatings USA Inc
Houston and minutes from Bush Interconti-
Milk Products Lp Dba Borden
Lone Star Family Health Clinic
nental Airport and the Port of Houston. It
Nov Texas Oil Tools
Conroe Machine LLC
is home to some of Houston’s most prom-
Turbo Drill
Tony Gullo Motors I, LP
inent companies. In fact, more than 100
Russell Construction Company
John Wiesner Inc
energy-related companies and thousands of non-energy businesses are located here. The prime location makes the District ideal for companies conducting business locally
they have been able to achieve milestones
As one of the largest and most influen-
and around the globe. With excellent hotels
like gaining grass roots support for the
tial business associations in the Houston
and restaurants, many parks, with miles of
Hardy Toll Road, advocating for the Grand
region, the Woodlands Area Chamber of
walking or hiking trails, and a commitment
Parkway, establishing the Greens Bayou
Commerce represents small and emerging
to attracting the best in commercial and
Corridor Coalition, developing the Aerial
businesses, mid-market companies and
residential life, the North Houston District
Land Use Map, creating a Strategic Mobility
industry
works hard to create an appealing, safe,
Plan and many other endeavors
Chamber continuously cultivates new and
accessible and green activity center in which to work, live and play. The North Houston Association www.north-houston.com
leading
corporations.
The
innovative ways for members to market Spring Klein Chamber of Commerce www.springkleinchamber.org The Spring Klein Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization with a mission to
themselves, their products and services to fellow members and the community. It is working to be an effective catalyst for the economic growth and prosperity in the Woodlands area.
The North Houston Association advo-
connect businesses within the Spring-Klein
cates and supports projects and initiatives
area, which in turn will allow the growing
which advance the business environment
community to thrive. Through a variety
and improve the quality of life in North
of networking events and programs, exec-
Harris and Montgomery counties. Estab-
utives, business owners and like-minded
lished in 1982, the non-profit organization
professionals can succeed, while contrib-
The Woodlands Area Economic Develop-
works with its members to consider issues
uting to the success of others and the
ment Partnership can help existing companies
of mobility, education, workforce training,
overall business climate of the Spring and
expand or help move a company, its employees
the environment, and quality of life, all of
Klein areas.
and families to this dynamic community
which have a profound and lasting effect on the economic development of the business climate and community of the area. Building strong alliances with partners,
84
The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership www.edpartnership.net
where they can live, work and grow. It is a The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce www.woodlandschamber.org
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
direct link to all the area has to offer, allowing business people to make informed decisions and smooth transitions.
Harris County
The largest county in the eastern half of state; level; typically coastal surface and soils; many bayous, canals for artificial drainage; Lake Houston, Sheldon Reservoir; partly forested.
BE
1876
N
LR
521
Harris County © Texas Almanac
South Houston
William P. Hobby Airport
UP
LR LR
UP
UP
La Porte
99
Morgans Point
146
Shoreacres Taylor Johnson Lake Village Space Center El Lago Pearland Clear 2351 Seabrook Lake BRAZORIA Webster Nassau Friendswood Bay 270 146 518 45 3 League 528 City NASA1 8 MILES G A LV E S T O N 8
k Clear Cree
35
G
Courtesy of the Texas Almanac, published by the Texas State Historical Association, Austin, Texas.
288
865
146
Baytown
ton el us ann Ho Ch ip Sh
FT. BEND PARKWA Y
Stafford Missouri City
Retail Sales..............$88,892,139,887
90A
UP
59
D
134
225
Deer Park
330
SAN JACINTO MONUMENT
Bay
T
Pasadena
610
BATTLESHIP TEXAS
10
on
R
Ferry
PTRA
BNSF
Prop. Value............$472,155,923,085
6
Channelview Free
Galena Park
1942
st
FO
8
Jacinto City
Barrett Highlands McNair
ve
1093
Per Capita Inc......................$55,088
UP
fa BufBarker Reservoir
99
UP
10
Wages......................$37,346,009,148
ayou lo B
Sheldon
CHAMBERS
Barker
to
u
90
er
Ja ci n
o Bay
UP Katy
Crosby n
v Ri
UP Spring Hilshire Vil. 610 Valley Hedwig Hunters Addicks Vil. Creek Vil. Piney Point Vil. Bunker West Hill Vil. University Place Alief 69 Bellaire Southside Place 8
SHELDON LAKE STATE PARK
SHELDON WILDLIFE MGMT AREA
90
UP
Sa
HOUSTON
Addicks Reservoir
yo u Greens Ba
LR
Unemployed.................................5.3
59
UP
HARDY AD TOLL RO
529
Civilian labor......................2,279,367
Aldine
Jersey Village
6
July mean max...........................90.7
2100
Lake Houston
Cedar
525
Huffman
al
1960
Y
R
ss Cypre
8
RT
LLE
Jan. mean. min..........................43.4
Creek
1960
Atascocita
George Bush 69 Humble Intercontinental Airport
Cypress
99
LR
nt o
UP LR
Kingwood
LR
Klein
6
WA
Rainfall (in.)...............................56.81
LR
290
Spring
2920
BE
Hockley
99
SF BN
Altitude (ft.).................sea level–310
LR
Tomball
2920 LR
Waller
rk Fo i st We Jac n Sa
Land area(sq.mi.)..................1,703.5
1485
UP
LI
LR
MONTGOMERY
45
Hufsmith
eek Spring Cr
Ea San st Fork Jacinto
362
Area (sq.mi.)..........................1,777.5
2978 249
310'
UP
362 1488
1736
UP
Change fm 2010........................10.9
UP
Population..........................4,538,028
0
Montgomery County
430'
WALKER
1375
TO
Sp rin gC
to
UP
1314
Porter 69
ree k
HOUSTON
1485
Ea San Jacst For into k Ri v er
New Caney
rk Fo r st Rive We in c Ja
Montgomery County © Texas Almanac
99
Jan. mean. min...................................40.4 July mean max. ..................................93.5 Civilian labor..................................259,473 Unemployed..........................................4.8
Patton Village Roman Forest
Woodbranch
San
LR
45
242
re ek
Shenandoah The Ridge Woodlands Oak North
HARRIS
Splendora C
2978
TY
LR
59
2090
ER
Grangerland
LR
Altitude (ft.) ....................................50–430 Rainfall (in.) .......................................48.77
LIB
Woodloch
UP
Stagecoach Decker Prairie
3083
Fostoria
BNSF
1485
75
242
LR LR
8 MILES
Cut and Shoot
y ne Ca
249 U P
N
1488 149
CI
WALLER
LR
W.G. JONES STATE FOREST
Mostyn
Pinehurst
ch
SF
CONROE
1774
Land area(sq.mi.)...........................1,041.7 0
105
336
1488
Area (sq.mi.)...................................1,076.9
1484
3083
2854
1486
Magnolia
Change fm 2010.................................17.9
1484
336
LR
1774
2432
BN
F
BNS
149
SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL FOREST Cr eek
LR
830
Panorama Village
Dobbin
105
Population......................................537,559
JA
Lake Conroe
Montgomery
Willis
a Pe
1486
Lewis Creek Reservoir
1097
N
149
1097
75
SA
SF
1097
Dacus
45
SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL FOREST
BN
GRIMES
Rolling, half timbered; Sam Houston National Forest; loam, sandy, alluvial soils; Lake Conroe and Lewis Creek Reservoir.
1791
149
Wages.................................$2,191,523,418 Per Capita Inc...............................$60,490 Prop. Value.......................$54,317,835,443 Retail Sales.........................$7,833,735,189
LR
494
Courtesy of the Texas Almanac, published by the Texas State Historical Association, Austin, Texas.
59
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
85
in this section sports and golf parks and attractions arts and culture dining and shopping calendar of events
86
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
LEISURE & RECREATION
In the Northwest Houston and Montgomery County area, you’re only minutes away from a world-class culinary, arts and cultural scene. Houston’s live theater, music, and opera are highly regarded; and the fine arts, both classic and contemporary, are on display at the many galleries and museums. There are sporting events year-round and the city’s parks welcome picnickers, hikers, bicyclists, boaters and pets.
From art fairs to crawfish festivals, from live music to rodeos, there’s always a reason to get out and enjoy yourself in Montgomery County. And when you want to venture a little further from home, all the attractions of the Greater Houston region are right next door. Conroe Convention and Visitors Bureaus Discover all the entertainment treasures Conroe has to offer, including concerts, restaurants, golf courses, a calendar of events and more. You’ll also find travel planning and professional planners for business groups. Several helpful publications are offered at www.playinconroe.com or call 936-522-3500. Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau Discover the fun side of the fourth largest city in America. The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (GHCVB) is the principal marketing organization for the city of Houston and Harris County and highlights all the venues, events, museums and fun things to do. It offers itinerary planning, information
for business travelers and conventions, a list of free stuff, and much more. Discounts and coupons are available on their interactive web site in both English and Spanish along with comprehensive information including an online events calendar, maps, video gallery, city blog. Visitor information packets and a Meeting Planners guide can be found at www.VisitHoustonTexas.com. Citypass Adventures See five of the most popular one-of-a-kind sights Houston offers at a discount with CityPASS: Adults -$59 – Children $49. You have nine days to use them and they save you nearly half off regular ticket pricing. Available at the Houston Visitor’s Center www.VisitHoustonTexas.com. Old Town Spring Visitor Bureau Enjoy a stroll back in time among more than 150 shops, galleries, museums and restaurants that line the shady lanes of Old Town Spring. Take in one of the many events and festivals held year-round, or just relax in one
of the gazebos. For accommodations, tours and a map, visit at www.shopspringtexas. com or call 281-288-2355. The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau is always ready to share information about fun things to do and is a great resource for visitors, newcomers and residents. Whether it’s just the two of you, a getaway with the family, a reunion or large gathering, or a business meeting, there’s something for everyone in The Woodlands. Try award winning restaurants, wine bars and world-class entertainment in Town Center. Or enjoy the great outdoors by renting a kayak or strolling along The Woodlands Waterway, taking in an outdoor concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion or hiking through the winding trails at the George Mitchell Preserve. Request a free visitor’s guide and map at www.visitthewoodlands.com or call 877-963-2447 or 281-363-2447.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
87
SPORTS
& GOLF
Northwest Houston offers a wide variety of sports and recreational activities to please everyone: couch potatoes, weekend warriors, full-on athletes and die-hard fans love the sports scenes. With year-round mild temperatures, getting up and getting out has become a way of life.
88
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
SPECTATOR SPORTS The Houston Astros www.astros.com Part of the West Division of Major League Baseball’s American League, the Houston Astros are on a roll. Currently the winningest team in baseball, the team and its fans are having a lot of fun. Playing in Minute Maid Park, one of the country’s few stadiums with a retractable roof, the team serves up entertaining baseball action at home about 80 times over the course of the season. Fans enjoy gourmet hot dogs, handmade hot dogs, pork sliders, tex-mex fare and many other delectable choices while enjoying the game. Around the park, many restaurants, clubs and music venue hop, especially on game day. The Houston Dynamo www.houstondynamo.com Founded in 2005, the Dynamo is Houston’s Major Soccer League club. The team name is reflective, in part, of Houston,
Photos courtesy of the Houston Texans
an energetic, hard-working, risk-taking kind of town. 2006 and 2007 MLS Champions, fans have lots to cheer about as this team continues to rank well both at home and internationally. The Dynamo play in BBVA Compass Stadium, an architecturally acclaimed venue, located east of downtown.
The Houston Rockets www.houstonrockets.com The Houston Rockets are the city’s professional
National
Basketball
Association
team playing in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. Two-time world
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
89
L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N
McNair have put together an exciting roster that includes fan favorites, like J.J. Watt, and new up-and-comers, like Deshaun Watson. Sunday football is celebrated in NRG stadium cheering on the team, tailgating with friends in the parking lot before and after the game, at many sports bars around town, or in front of your own television. Go Texans!
GOLF
Buffalo Bayou - Photo courtesy of Visit Houston
basketball champions, the Rockets are
The Houston Texans
regular challengers in playoff action and
www.houstontexans.com
always provide exciting end-to-end action in the Toyota Center. Many star players
Football is huge in Texas and the Texas are
have passed through the team’s roster over
huge in Houston. In their 16th season, this
its almost-fifty-year history and now James
NFL professional team are the 2011, 2012
Hardin and the rest have launched the
and 2015 AFC South Division Champions.
Rockets back into competitive contention.
Head coach Bill O’brien and owner Bob
Houston is a golfer’s paradise with over 200 days of sunshine. And in Northwest Houston, a wide range of municipal, public, or private courses, as well as country clubs offer varying terrain and challenges to suit every golfer’s taste. Here, you’ll find stunning courses designed by golf legends such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Fazio. Or watch the professionals grip it and rip it at the nearby Houston Open. In addition, golf lessons, clinics, PGA professionals and First Tee Programs are offered throughout the area.
GOLF COURSES April Sound Country Club
aprilsoundcountryclub.com
Houston Oaks Country Club
houstonoaks.com
Bear Creek Golf World
bearcreekgolfworld.com
Jersey Meadows Golf Course
jerseymeadow.com
BlackHorse Golf Club
blackhorsegolfclub.com
Lake Windcrest Golf Club
thegolftrails.com
Cypresswood Golf Course
cypresswood.com
Longwood Golf Club
longwoodgc.com
Del Lago Golf Resort
latorettalakeresort.com
Memorial Park Golf Course.
houstonmunicipalgolf.org
Gleannloch Pines Golf Club
golfgleannlochpines.com
River Plantation Country Club
riverplantationcc.com
High Meadow Ranch Golf Club
highmeadowranchgolf.com
The Village Golf Club
thevillagegc.com
Heron Lakes Golf Club
heronlakesgc.com
WindRose Golf Club
windrosegolfclub.com
Houston National Golf Club
houstonnationalgolf.com
Woodforest Golf Club
woodforestgolf.com
PRIVATE Bentwater Yacht & Country Club
bentwater.com
Bluejack National Golf Club
bluejacknational.com
Lake Windcrest Golf Club
lakewindcrestgc.com
Canongate at the Woodlands
canongatetexas.com
Northgate Country Club
northgatecountryclub.com
The Clubs of Kingwood - Kingwood theclubsofkingwood.com
Raveneaux Country Club
raveneaux.com
The Clubs of Kingwood - Deerwood theclubsofkingwood.com
River Plantation Country Club
riverplantationcc.com
The Club at Carlton Woods
carltonwoods.com
Walden on Lake Conroe Golf Club
playwalden.com
Champions Golf Club
championsgolfclub.com
The Woodlands Country Club
thewoodlandscc.com
Hearthstone Country Club
clubcorp.com/clubs/hearthside-country-club
Willow Creek Golf Club
willowcreekclub.com
90
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
The Golf Trails of The Woodlands thegolftrails.com
Photo courtesy of the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce
PUBLIC
– ISSUE 1
PARKS Bane Park
fields, four lighted softball fields, one regula-
Dennis Johnston Park
tion lighted football field and covered horse
Dennis Johnston Park is a 45-acre facility with
arena with concession stands and restrooms.
a pavilion and picnic tables, a small pond,
Bane Park is a 18.2-acre facility with barbecue
pergola, walking trails, a butterfly and huming-
grills, picnic pavilions, picnic tables, two
Collins Park
bird garden, and access to Spring Creek. Also,
lighted ball fields, a five-acre wheelchair-ac-
Collins Park is a 55-acre facility with five
the park is home to Big Stone Lodge, which
cessible fishing
horseshoe
lighted softball fields, four lighted base-
is a shared use facility that serves as the Parks
pits, paved walking trail, playground, rock
ball fields, one unlighted soccer field, one
Department administrative headquarters and
climbing wall, sand volleyball court, splash
sand volleyball court, two playgrounds,
a Precinct 4 community center.
pad, and rest room facilities.
a skate park, nature trails, picnic tables,
lake,
gazebo,
barbecue grills, rest room facilities, a
Doss Park
Burroughs Park
canoe launch, and limited access to fishing
Doss Park is a 33-acre facility with five
Experience the lush landscape, winding
along Cypress Creek.
lighted softball fields, two lighted tennis
trails, and lakefront views at this 320-acre
courts,
three
pavilions,
batting
cages,
splendid park in Tomball. Amenities at
Cypress Creek Greenway
picnic tables, barbecue grills, a playground,
this facility include sports fields, a seven-
The Cypress Creek Greenway Project
walking trails, and rest room facilities.
acre fishing lake, five playgrounds, over
is underway and will ultimately create
eight miles of nature trails, picnic areas, an
a continuous 40-mile greenbelt along
Gene Campbell Sports Complex
observation deck and boardwalk, rest room
Cypress and Little Cypress Creeks. The
Gene Campbell Sports Complex, located
facilities, a dog park, and an award-winning
greenway will feature a multi-use trail
at 3200 FM 1484, Conroe, Texas 77303, is
barbecue pavilion that seats over 250 people.
system that will pass through parks and
a 60-acre facility with six lighted baseball
link to trails that extend into communi-
fields, six lighted softball fields, conces-
Charles Traylor Memorial Park
ties. In addition, the Bayou Preservation
sions and restrooms. Sports programs are
Charles Traylor Memorial Park, located at
Association (BPA) is leading the effort on
offered through Conroe Area Youth Base-
13551 Rogers Road, Willis, Texas 77378, is
Cypress Creek to develop a paddling trail
ball (CAYB) and Conroe Area Girls Softball
a 61 acre facility with eight lighted baseball
that will extend 30 miles.
Association (CAGSA). Private use of the
Your Second Home Awaits.
Experience the ultimate private club lifestyle at The Woodlands Country Club. The Woodlands Country Club provides personalized service you only find at Texas’ finest country clubs, three championship golf courses, two state-of-the-art fitness facilities, two beautiful clubhouses, an outstanding tennis facility, a resort-style pool and more.
We look forward to welcoming you home. Contact our membership team today to schedule a visit. 281.863.1400 | thewoodlandscc.com *Membership is contingent on successful completion of the Club’s enrollment process. Other restrictions and exclusions may apply. See Club for details. © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 41595 0618 NP
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
91
L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N
Photo Courtesy of Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
fields requires prior permission from Montgomery County and the ball association and is subject to availability. Gwen Hruska Park Gwen Hruska Park is located on Brandon
Water Wall Galleria - Photo Courtesy of GHCVB
Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve is an 80-acre property featuring Marshall Lake, which spans approximately 40 acres, plus a staff building, paved roads and parking lots, restroom facilities, and 1.7 miles of trails.
Road in the unincorporated area of River Plantation three miles south of Conroe on Interstate 45. The park includes 5,022 linear feet of concrete trails funded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant Assistant Program. The park consists of 12 acres of land acquired through Federal Emergency Management
Agency
(FEMA)
buyout
properties and land donations after the 1994 flood disaster. Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center is a premier 312-acre Harris County Precinct 4 nature preserve open daily to visitors free of charge. The park features a variety of plant and wildlife species, white sand beaches along Spring Creek, swamps and sloughs with century-old cypress trees, and a pristine floodplain located in a hardwood and pine forest. All features are accessible by over eight miles of paved, handicap-friendly pedestrian trails and several unpaved primitive trails. The Spring Creek Greenway, with over 12 miles of paved trail system along Spring Creek, is also accessible from the park’s Judy Overby Bell Trail.
92
Lake Conroe Park Lake Conroe Park, located at 14968 Hwy 105 West, Montgomery, Texas 77356, sits on the west shores of Lake Conroe and offers 13 acres of grounds, barbeque pits, picnic facilities and restrooms as well as swimming areas and fishing piers. Additional amenities include two covered pavilions available for rent, a softball field and volleyball areas. Admission is $2.00 per person, kids 5 and under are free. Lindsay/Lyons Park and Sports Complex Lindsay/Lyons Park and Sports Complex is a 136-acre facility with 10 lighted baseball fields and four lighted softball fields, two lighted football fields, 18 unlighted soccer fields, two lighted soccer fields, a barbecue pavilion, two playgrounds (including one all-inclusive playground and rest room facility for children of all physical abilities), picnic tables, barbecue grills, rest room facilities, and a concession stand with a pavilion. Matzke Park Matzke Park, a 19.4-acre facility, includes a multiuse trail with water fountains, rest
NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
room facilities, one cricket field, an all-inclusive barrier-free playground, two picnic pavilions, one gazebo, and a butterfly and sensory garden. Memory Park Memory Park is alive with native and naturalized Texas trees and plants, and there are walking trails, benches for relaxing, pavilions, a fountain, bridges, rainwater projects, a duck nesting area, specialized gardens, a naturalized area and waterfalls surrounding a large pond. The park contains a Shakespeare garden featuring a bust of the bard, signage in braille donated by the Lions Club, and various statues including the Honor Flight Eagle dedicated to the local veterans of World War II. Many of the plants and items in the park have been purchased and donated by families in memory of their loved ones. Mercer Botanic Gardens The arboretum and botanic gardens are divided by Aldine Westfield Road. On the east side is the botanic gardens where over 20 acres of beautifully maintained gardens feature bamboo, color displays, daylilies, endangered species, ferns, gingers, herbs, tropicals, to name a few. The east side also has an extensive walking trail system, a Remembrance Walk for memorials and honorariums, ponds, a visitors’ center, courtyard plaza, plus much more.
Meyer Park Meyer Park is a 180-acre facility with 26 soccer fields (ten are lighted), two unlighted softball fields, a basketball court, barbecue pavilion, gazebo, paved trails, nature trails, duck pond*, a threeacre fishing lake, picnic tables, barbecue grills, two age-specific play- grounds, 15 exercise stations, recycling bins, and rest room facilities. Mussel Pond Preserve Mussel Pond Preserve is a 22 acre conservation easement under Legacy Land Trust located on FM 2854 in Montgomery County Precinct Two. The site is named for the unique native Texas freshwater mussels (Unionidae) found
along
the
edge of the ten acre pond located on the preserve. The formal opening of the preserve was in 2009. Montgomery County War Memorial Park Montgomery County
War
Memorial
Park is located in downtown Conroe on Highway 105 in front of the Montgomery
ORWALL Sports Complex The Woodlands Sports Park, located on Pruitt Road in south Montgomery County, is a 27-acre park consisting of softball, football, and baseball fields with concession stands and restrooms. The Park property is owned by the Woodlands Corporation and leased to Montgomery County who subleases with Oak Ridge – Woodlands Area Little League, Inc. (ORWALL). ORWALL maintains the park and facilitates the recreational programs. Private use of the fields requires prior permission from the association. Spring Creek Greenway Explore over 12 miles of natural forests and white sandy beaches along the creek from Harris County Precinct 4’s Dennis Johnston Park in Spring, Texas to Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center in Humble, Texas. Along the way, stop in for a picnic by Hart Lake at the 380-acre Pundt Park or discover local wildlife and plant species at the 120-acre Stahl Preserve. Also nestled between Pundt Park and Jones Park is Carter Park, a
115-acre facility featuring a canoe launch, a 12-lane archery shooting range with Olympic-level target distances, and nature trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. Tamina Park Tamina Park is a four acre parcel of land located approximately one half mile east of Interstate 45 in South Montgomery County on Main Street. The site contains a small community building, a softball field and covered basketball court with four goals, picnic tables and benches, playground equipment, barbeque grills, and bike racks. West Montgomery County Park West Montgomery County Park, located at 16716 FM 149, Montgomery, Texas, 77356, is a 50 acre park with five lighted baseball fields, four lighted softball fields, two football fields, restrooms, two concession stands and picnic areas. West Park is maintained by Montgomery Youth Sports Association and Montgomery Girls Softball Association.
County Tax Office. The Veteran’s Park, as it is commonly called, was dedicated April 29, 1976 by Gerald Ford, President of the United States in memory of those who served our country. The Veterans of Foreign War, Montgomery County Democratic Party, The Patriotic and Historical Society as well as various other organizations, hosts ceremonies on Memorial Day each year commemorating fallen soldiers of Montgomery County. Montgomery County Nature Preserve The
Montgomery
County
Preserve,
located at 1122 Pruitt Road in south Montgomery County behind the Recycling Facility, provides a wonderful area for birdwatching, native plant observation and hiking. The 71-acre green way, free to visit and open to the public daily, brings many ecotourists County.
to
Local
southern Master
Montgomery Naturalists as
well as Butterfly Enthusiasts of Southeast Texas (B.E.S.T.) hosts official national butterfly counts, monitors water quality, and provides educational programs for area citizens.
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ARTS, CULTURE s n o i t c a r t & At
The theater district is an impressive cultural and entertainment center; features nine world renowned performing arts organizations, and many smaller ones, in four venues – Jones Hall, Wortham Theater Center, Alley Theatre and Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
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T HE AT E R DIS TR IC T Alley Theatre 615 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002
levels vary from professional dancer to non-professional dancers.
and adults and hold performances by both
Houston Grand Opera 510 Preston St., Houston, 77002 www.houstongrandopera.org
Stages Repertory Theatre 3021 Allen Pkwy. Ste. 101, Houston, 77019 www.stagestheatre.com
local authors and established writers.
www.alleytheatre.org One of
America’s leading not-for-profit
theatres calls the Houston Theater District Home – The Alley Theatre. The Alley Theatre is nationally recognized for their performing arts company lead by Artistic Director Gregory Boyd and Managing Director Dean R. Gladden. Specializing in productions of the classics, modern plays and premieres, The Alley Theatre produces more performances than all other performing arts organizations in the Houston Theater District. Bayou Place 500 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.bayouplace.com Bayou Place is Houston’s premier destination for great food and good times. Popular venues such as the Revention Music Center and Sundance Cinemas are located here as well as many dining options – most popular is Houston’s own Hard Rock Café. This mosaic of entertainment options makes Bayou Place a prime spot for the Houston Theater District. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts 800 Bagby St., Ste. 300 Houston, 77002
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts brings first-class entertainment and cultural enjoyment to Houstonians by way of the generosity of their donors. This arts complex is home to the Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS), and the Houston Broadway Series. Houston Ballet 501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.houstonballet.org The Houston Ballet is a classically trained company with diverse repertory whose range includes the classics are well as works.
Adding to Houston’s rich cultural environment, Houston Grand Opera entertains with their innovative programs, community events and educational projects. Houston Grand Opera has a solid reputation for commissioning and producing new works, including 56 world premieres and seven American premieres since 1973. Stop in and visit and see why Houston Grand Opera has toured extensively, including trips to Europe and Asia, and is the only opera company to have won a Tony, two Grammy awards, and two Emmy awards.
Stages Theatre is one of only two theatres in
Houston Symphony 615 Louisiana, St., Ste. 102, Houston, 77002 www.houstonsymphony.org
The Society for the Performing Arts is the largest
the region that offers year-round employment for actors, directors and additional staff. Stages contributes much to the Houston community, including the availability of thrilling live performances. The Theatre produces daring and innovative plays focusing on new off-Broadway hits and world premieres. Society for FINE the Performing Arts 615 Louisiana St., Ste. 100, Houston, 77002 www.spahouston.org
nonprofit presenting organization of its kind in the entire Southwest region. SPA is renowned for delivering to Houston internationally acclaimed
The Houston Symphony’s mission is to “inspire and engage a large diverse audience in Greater Houston and beyond through exceptional orchestral and non-orchestral performances, educational programs and community activities.” By 2025, the Houston Symphony aims to be one of America’s most relevant and accessible top-ten orchestras.
artists from the entire performing arts spectrum, and has been doing so for over 50 years. Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) 800 Bagby, Ste. 200, Houston, TX 77002 www.tuts.com A non-profit based in Houston, Texas, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) offers a world –class
www.thehobbycenter.org
contemporary
This
Jones Hall 615 Louisiana St., Houston, 77002 www.houstonfirsttheaters.com Jones Hall is a monument to the memory of Jesse Holman Jones, an eminent figure in Houston during the first half of the 20th Century. Today, Jones Hall is home to the Houston Symphony and the Society for the Performing Arts. More than 400,000 visitors attend some 250 events annually. Main Street Theater 2450 Times Square Blvd., Houston 77005 333 S. Jensen, Houston, 77003 www.mainstreettheater.com
company
attracts the world’s best dancers and choreographers. The Houston Ballet also has a world class Academy whose instruction
Founded in 1975 and has been opening doors for locals of all ages to engage in the performing arts. They offer classes for children
musical theatre experience that ranges from full-scale Broadway productions to educational initiatives that extend beyond the stage and into the community. TUTS is equipped for actors and aficionados of all ages and abilities. Wortham Theater Center 501 Texas Ave., Houston, 77002 www.houstonfirsttheaters.com Houston’s largest performing arts complex, is home to the Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera and is partnered with Da Camera of Houston and Mercury the Orchestra Redefined.Featuring two theaters, the Alice and George Brown Theater and the Lillie and Roy Cullen Theater. Since its opening in 1987, Wortham has entertained more than 8 million people.
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L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N
M U S E U M DIS TR IC T The Art Car Museum 140 Heights Blvd., Houston, 77007 www.artcarmuseum.com Otherwise known as the “Garage Mahal”, The Art Car Museum is dedicated to contemporary art. It is an exhibition forum for local, national and international arts with an emphasis on art cars, other fine arts and artists that rarely, if ever, are acknowledged by other cultural institutions. Most popular to Houstonians is the annual Art Car Parade. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 3816 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004 www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) is proud to educate the public and preserve and promote the history, tradition and outstanding contributions of America’s Buffalo Soldiers from the Revolutionary War to the present. Here, you can find workshops, youth outreach programs and exhibits about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and their service.
anyone bored. For nearly 30 years, the place
The
for families to play, laugh, learn and grow.
dedicated to educating people about the Jews and other innocent victims and honoring the survivors’ legacy. The Holo-
The
Contemporary
Arts
Museum
caust Museum Houston has a permanent of
Houston is an institution dedicated to presenting the best and most exciting international, national and regional art. Patrons of every age will appreciate the collections of work and dynamic exhibitions on display. CAMH also offers special programs and educational opportunities. Admission is Free.
exhibition called “Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers,” as well as other pieces of history. The Menil Collection 1533 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX 77006 www.menil.org The Menil Collection is an art museum that houses both permanent collection and welcomes special exhibitions. Making art
The Health Museum 1515 Hermann Dr., Houston, 77004 www.thehealthmuseum.org
accessible to all is vital to their mission, so no admission fee is charged and all public programs are free. They hope to educate and inspire by being readily accessible to future
The Health Museum is Houston’s most
generations.
interactive science learning center and a member institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. The Health Museum is the most visited health museum of its kind
The Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, 77030 www.hmns.org
dren’s Museum of Houston will not leave
is
5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston, 77006 www.camh.org
A duck pond, playhouse, grocery store,
fun-filled hands on experience at the Chil-
Houston
Holocaust, remembering the 6 million
in the country. Popular exhibits include:
infant play area are all under one roof. The
Museum
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 Binz St., Houston, TX 77004 www.cmhouston.org
Mexican village, puppet show and an
Holocaust
DeBakey Cell Lab, Amazing Body Pavilion and the McGovern 4D Theater.
The Museum of Arts, Houston (MFAH) 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, 77005 www.mfah.org The Museum of
Fine Arts, Houston
presents its exceptional exhibitions and installations to Houston residents and visitors alike. The Museum has numerous collections that fill the galleries year-round embracing every era of history from across the globe. Make time to visit the Bayou
As one of the most heavily attended
Bend Collection not too far away. From
museums in the United States, the Houston
2015 to 2019 the campus of the Museum
Museum of Natural Science (HMNS)
of Fine Arts, Houston will transform into a
seeks to enhance knowledge and delight
magnificent two new buildings.
in natural science and related subjects. It houses the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham GIANT Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center and a fascinating variety of permanent exhibit areas that examine astronomy, space science, Native American culture, paleontology, energy, chemistry, gems and minerals, Texas wildlife and more. www.hmns.org Holocaust Museum Houston 5401 Caroline St., Houston, 77004 www.hmh.org Photos Courtesy of Children’s Museum
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Blaffer Art Museum University of Houston - 120 Fine Arts Bldg. Houston, 77204 www.blafferartmuseum.org Blaffer Art Museum helps the community to engage in contemporary art through exhibitions, publications and public programs. This art museum is free, and open to the public in an effort to promote participation in the arts. Blaffer Art Museum is also the gateway between the University of Houston and the City of Houston.
TEXAS
Wineries
availability dates may change as the vineyard will not offer tours when it hosts any type of event, public or private. Call Haak Vineyards to verify that it will be having a tour on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday you plan to visit. www. haakwine.com
RANCHER’S DAUGHTER Rancher’s Daughter was once a boutique in Western Winery; today it’s a boutique in downtown Montgomery with its own winery. Celebrating everything Texas, the shop sells 275 varietals of wine, while the winery produces wines with names like Highway 105, Spotted Mule, and Cowgirl Blush. Wine enthusiasts and friends gather on the third Wednesday of the month
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF SOME OF THE PREMIER WINERIES NEAR HOUSTON
for Wine Down Wednesdays that feature speakers, wine and music.
WHITLEY VINEYARDS AND WINE BAR
BERNHARDT WINERY
Festival. Their meads are crafted from
This down-home Texas winery is set in the
Texas wildflower honey sourced from a
rolling hills near Plantersville. Here, award-win-
farm on the nearby Texas gulf coast prai-
ning small-batch wines of classic varietals and
ries, which was selected for its location far
unique blends are created, and visitors are
from sources that could affect the taste of
treated to a fun tasting experience in a warm
the naturally flavorful and nuanced honey.
wines. Owner Gina Whitley used to stroll
environment. But there’s much more here,
www.enchantedmanormeadery.com
through her 1/3 acre back-yard vineyard
Whitley Vineyards and Wine bar is located in the heart of the historic district of Montgomery and features handcrafted
at sunset with a glass of wine, and dream
too. The winery hosts many events, like the Summer Sunset Lawn Concert Series, the Vino
GRIFFIN MEADERY
about a future as a vintner. Today, that
Piazza Primavera – an artisan marketplace –
Griffin Meadery is located in Willis and is
dream is coming true. A family operation,
weddings and other private functions. Plus,
producing small-batch, premium quality
the vineyard and wine production creates
visitors can stay at The Loft Bed and Breakfast.
wine and liquid gold. Meads range from a
quality reds, roses, and whites. Whitley
www.bernhardtwinery.com
cinnamon and vanilla combo with a festive
hosts regular ladies’ nights and welcomes
flair, to ones that taste of black current,
visitors as part of the annual Antiques
CORK THIS! WINERY
chocolate or even jalapeno, but beware: the
Festival in the historic district of Mont-
Started by a former business executive that
last one has a kick! You can also learn how to make your own mead. The legendary
gomery. www.whitleyvineyards.com
wished for greener grass (or vineyards), the people at Cork This! make wine fun and
griffin is known as the guardian of treasure,
have fun making wine, producing wines with
and that’s what they’re producing here.
names like “Party on your Palate,” “Rich
www.griffinmeadery.com.
Urban Biker,” and “Irreconcilable Differ-
WILD STALLION VINEYARDS Wild Stallion Vineyards began in 2008 with a small test planting of Blanc du Bois grapes, a variety most suited to the gulf
travelers alike because wine tasters are made
HAAK VINEYARDS AND WINERY
to feel comfortable and welcome. Cork This!
Though Haak Vineyards and Winery is not
over three acres and a range of varieties.
Has a strong Groupies Wine Club and hosts
on the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail, it is
Both the 2014 Sweet Moscato and the 2014
numerous events. www.corkthiswinery.com
close to home. This is the only vineyard that
Blanc du Bois (Dry) were Southwest Wine
produces commercial wine in Galveston
Summit Silver Medal Winners. Located
ENCHANTED MANOR MEADERY
County, which is less than an hour from
near the Woodlands, The Wild Stallion
downtown Houston. Each $10 tour includes
Event Center hosts many events, like
Enchanted Manor Meadery of Magnolia
a Madeira tasting and samples of four other
Sangria Saturdays, concerts and weddings.
brews meads onsite at the Texas Renaissance
wines from the vineyards. The tour times and
www.wildstallionvineyards.com
ences.” It’s a favorite place for locals and
coast region. The vineyard has grown to
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
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Delicious HOUSTON’S
DINING SCENE When it comes to restaurants, Northwest Houston has one of the best in the nation, according to a new Yelp ranking. Tony’s Italian Delicatessen at 16283 Highway 105 tops the list of the website’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the US for 2017. The eatery’s menu boasts a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods.
Marvino’s Italian Kitchen 24002 Northwest Fwy Cypress, 77429-7312 www.marvinositaliankitchen.com Jaxton’s Bistro 9955 Barker Cypress Rd. #104 Cypress, 77433 www.jaxtonsbistro.com Gianna Italian Kitchen 28301 249 #100, Tomball, 77375 www.giannaitaliankitchen.com Mel’s Country Café 124814 Stanolind Rd.,Tomball, 77375 www.melscountrycafe.com Adriatic Cafe Italian Grill 17402 Northwest Fwy Jersey Village, 77040 www.adriaticcafe.com Punta Cana Caribbean Restaurant 17776 Tomball Pkwy, Houston, 77064 www.puntacanahouston.com Gauchos Do Sul 126 Vintage Park Blvd, Houston, 77070 www.gauchosdosul.com Thai Chefs 6965 Barker Cypress Rd Ste D Houston, 77084 www. thaichefshouston.com Banh Mi ETC 9211 West Rd Houston, 77064 www.banhmietc.com Mint Thai Kitchen 17513 Tomball Pkwy Houston, 77064 (Willowbrook) www.mintthai.kitchen Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen 10115 Louetta Rd Ste 400 Houston, 77070 www.ambriza.com Carriage House Café 9945 Barker Cypress Rd Ste 125 Cypress, 77433 www.thecarriagehousecafe.com Pecos Grilling Company 28900 Tomball Pkwy.,Tomball, 77375 www.pecosgrillingco.com Mezzanotte Ristorante 13215 Grant Rd Ste 1200 Cypress, 77429-4094 www.mezzanotte.tv Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen 27030 Northwest Freeway Cypress, 77433 www.gringostexmex.com Season’s Harvest Cafe 17303 Shaw Rd, Cypress, 77429-1321 Nyam Nyam Cafe 15201 Mason Rd, Cypress, 77433-5954 www.nyamnyamcafe.com Locatelli’s Pizza 13215 Grant Rd, Ste 500 Cypress, 77429-4093 www.locatellis.com
Photo Courtesy of Vicky Tran from Pexels
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Dario’s American Bistro 14315 Cypress Rosehill Rd Cypress, 77429-1013 www.dariossteakhouse.com
Guadalajara Hacienda 27885 Interstate 45 N. The Woodlands, 77380 www.guad.com
Newk’s Eatery 25712 Northwest Freeway, Suite A Cypress, 77429 www.newks.com
Hubbell & Hudson Bistro 4526 Research Forest Drive The Woodlands, 77381 www.hubbellandhudson.com
Cypress Breakfast House 12344 Barker Cypress Rd Cypress, 77429-8359 www.cypressbreakfasthouse.com
Jasper’s 9595 Six Pines Dr, Ste 900 The Woodlands, 77380 www.jaspersthewoodlands.com
Saltgrass Steak House 23952 Northwest Fwy Cypress, 77429-6173 www.saltgrass.com
Landry’s Seafood 1212 Lake Robbins Drive The Woodlands, 77380 www.landrysseafood.com
CorkScrew BBQ 26608 Keith St. Spring, 77373 www.corkscrewbbw.com
McKenzie’s Barbeque & Burgers 17099 Walden Road Montgomery, 77356 www.mckenziesbarbeque.com
Alicias Mexican Grille 26326 Northwest Fwy Cypress, 77429 www.aliciasmexicangrille.com
Nick’s Fish Dive & Oyster Bar 20 Waterway Ave., Ste 105 The Woodlands, 77380 www.nicksfishdive.com
Merche 21208 Northwest Fwy Cypress, 77429-5975 www.mercherestaurant.com
Ocean Boullevard Bistro & Martini Bar 1200 Marina Dr, Just off Highway 105 Montgomery, 77356 www.obbistro.com
MOD Pizza-Towne Lake 9925 Barker Cypress Rd Cypress, 77433-5314 www.modpizza.com Rice and Bean Cuban Cuisine 26281 Highway 290, Suite 212 Cypress, 77429-1055
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 18165 Interstate 45 S. Conroe, 77385 www.pappadeaux.com
www.riceandbeanscubancuisine.net
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille 6700 Woodlands Pkwy., Ste. 300 The Woodlands, 77382 www.perrysrestaurants.com
Carl’s Barbecue 21920 Northwest Fwy Cypress, 77429-3377 www.carlsbbq.com
Ransom’s Steakhouse & Saloon 300 CB Stewart Drive Montgomery, 77356 www.ransomssteakhouse.com
7 leguas 15949 Highway 105 W, Suite 66 Montgomery, 77356 www.7leguasmex.com
Robard’s Steakhouse 2301 N Millbend Drive The Woodlands, 77380 www.robardssteakhouse.com
Black Walnut Cafe 9000 New Trails Drive The Woodlands, 77381-5208 www.blackwalnutcafe.com
Thai Wok In Resturant 15917 Highway 105 W Ste F Montgomery, 77356 www.thaiwokin.com
Caffe di Fiore 10110 Woodlands Pkwy. The Woodlands, 77382 www.caffe-di-fiore.com
The Big Sombrero 19402 Highway 105 W Montgomery, 77356 www.thebigsombrero.net
Cozy Grape Wine Bar and Bistro 14340 Liberty Street Montgomery, 77356 www.cozygrape.com
The Pizza Shack 20873 Eva St Ste G Montgomery, 77356 www.pizzashack.com
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse 1900 Hughes Landing Blvd, Suite 400 The Woodlands, 77380-3794 www.fogodechao.com
The Republic Grille 4775 W. Panther Creek, Ste. 490 The Woodlands, 77381 www.therepublicgrille.com
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria 20 Waterway Ave Ste 100 The Woodlands, 77380-3442 www.grimaldispizzeria.com
The Toasted Yolk Cafe 2129 W Davis St, Suite c Conroe, 77304 www.thetoastedyolk.com
SHOPPING The Boardwalk Towne Lake 9945 Barker Cypress Rd. Cypress, 77433 www.boardwalktl.com The Galleria Houston 5058 Westheimer Rd. Houston, 77056 www.galleriahouston.com Houston Premium Outlets 29300 Hempstead Rd. Cypress, 77433 www.premiumoutlets.com Katy Mills Mall 5000 Katy Mills Cir Katy, TX 77494 www.katymills.com Market Street 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands, 77380 www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com Old Town Spring Spring Preservation League, 123-F Midway, Spring, 77373 www.oldtownspring.com Outlets at Conroe 1111 League Line Rd. Conroe, 77303 www.outletsatconroe.com Willowbrook Mall 2000 Willowbrook Mall Houston, TX 77070 www.shopwillowbrookmall.com The Woodlands Mall 1201 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands, 77380 www.thewoodlandsmall.com HHOOUUSST TOONNNNEEWWCCOOMMEERRGGUUI D I DEESS. C . COOMM
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CALENDAR of EVENTS NORTHWEST HOUSTON & SURROUNDING AREA EVENTS YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS
100 NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
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JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Challenge. Come join the excitement as we welcome close to 9,000 runners.
Chevron Houston Marathon
Texas Home & Garden Show
Established in 1972, the Houston
Houston’s Premier “One Stop Shopping
Marathon Committee, Inc. (HMC),
Opportunity” for all your home & garden
a Running USA Founding Member,
needs. From Windows and Doors to
annually organizes the nation’s premier
Ceilings and Floors over 700 experts,
winter marathon, half-marathon and 5K.
products, services and ideas all under
Over 250,000 participants, volunteers and
one roof. This event is one of Texas
spectators make this marathon largest
homeowners best resource for advice,
single-day sporting event in the city.
money saving tips, remodeling ideas and
raising and marketing of better livestock
www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com
landscape features needed to make a
and farm products at public fairs and
home and garden.
to promote and maintain research and
www.texashomeandgarden.com
educational functions within the livestock
Mlk Grande Parade Held in Midtown, this parade is devoted
www.thewoodlandsmarathon.com Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo™ The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ was organized for charitable, educational and scientific purposes to encourage and promote the breeding,
industry. It is the general policy of the
to promoting racial harmony through
Annual Houston Brazilian Carnaval
education and building awareness. The
Show to utilize, in the fiscal year subse-
Celebrate Carnaval in true Brazilian style,
MLK Grande Parade attracts more than
straight from the streets of Rio, with live
quent to which it is earned, the excess of
300,000 spectators with 15 professionally
drummers, 2 DJ’s, and dancers covered
designed floats, 30 marching bands, and
in beads and feathers. This colorful
over 150 performing groups.
Houston-based bash celebrates Carnaval
www.mlkgrandeparade.org
in Houston, including the rhythms of
Mardi Gras Galveston Island Don’t miss the revelry at Mardi Gras! Galveston! The island comes alive with extravagant parades, more than 50
Samba School Drums. www.houstonbraziliancarnaval.com
MARCH
its revenue over expenses for the furtherance of its exempt purpose, including the granting and/or funding of scholarships, educational endowments, agricultural research projects and other similar programs and the funding of related capital additions and improvements. www.rodeohouston.com
galas and festive events, bead throwing,
World’s Champion Bar-B-Que Cookoff
exhibits, live entertainment in local clubs,
You won’t want to miss the biggest
and the best Gulf Coast cuisine in the
pre-party to the world’s largest live-
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival
world. One of the most popular annual
stock show and rodeo. More than 250
It is among the top art festivals in the
events to take place in Texas, the event
teams led by barbecue aficionados
country, featuring over 200 interna-
is rich with laughter, celebration and
will compete in a traditional Texas
tional, national and regional fine artists
people watching. There is something for
cook-off. While most team tents are
displaying their original works in a wide
everyone including a beachfront carnival,
invitation-only, visitors can enjoy the
variety of mediums at The Woodlands
shopping, and nightlife featuring every-
public venues including the Miller
Waterway and in Town Green Park. The
thing from Cajun and salsa to jazz and
Lite Garden, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que
festival includes five entertainment stages,
rock and roll.
Saloon and the Chuck Wagon, where you receive a complimentary chopped
hands-on art activities and plenty of great
www.mardigrasgalveston.com
beef sandwich plate. Come enjoy Taste of the Town at The Woodlands
three days of cooking, competition,
Town Center
eating and dancing!
Taking place at The Woodlands
www.rodeohouston.com
Waterway Marriott, Taste of the Town
APRIL
food and beverages. www.woodlandsartsfestival.com Magnolia Historical Depot Day Live Entertainment and children’s activities, barbecue and other great food,
is the premier culinary event of South
The Woodlands Marathon
Montgomery County. Enjoy mouth-wa-
The Woodlands Marathon is a BOSTON
tering appetizers, entrees, desserts,
QUALIFIER and has seen will traverse
Depot Day serves as the Magnolia
pastries, and beverages from some of
the streets of Town Center and the
Historical Society’s annual fundraiser.
the area’s finest restaurants, caterers,
community on a single-loop 26.2-mile
Help support the Historic Depot building,
bakeries, deli’s and beverage companies.
pretty flat course, finishing on the scenic
the Pavilion, Dr. Ware’s Office and the
Ticket includes food, beverages and
Waterway. Participants have the oppor-
Replica of the first Magnolia Post Office.
festivities. www.tasteofthetown.org
tunity to run for charities in the Charity
www.magnoliatxhistoricalsociety.com
a car show and Live and Silent Auctions.
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L E I S U R E & R E C R E AT I O N
Bridgeland Nature Fest
Over Texas has become Houston’s
Hunters Extravaganza
Bridgeland’s annual Nature Fest
signature annual Independence Day cele-
Taking place at NRG Park, this is the
showcases this award-winning master-
bration and attracts nationally recognized
place where hunters from across Texas
planned community’s commitment to the
recording artists as well as regional and
and beyond gather each year to get
environment and ecosystem. Highlights
local talent.
include food trucks, roaming entertainers,
ready for hunting season. Whether
www.freedomeovertexas.org
its deer hunting equipment, hunting
educational animal demos, unique crafts from artists and nature vendors, and a
Red, Hot And Blue Festival
kid’s zone with rides and activities.
Enjoy vendor booths, great food,
www.bridgeland.com
children’s activities and entertainment
MAY
on multiple stages. This event in The Woodlands culminates with one of the
Beyond The Pints – Craft Beer And
largest fireworks displays in the greater
Music Festival
Houston area.
Sample more than 40 local and national
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
craft breweries while listening to live
accessories, hunting clothing, rifles, knives, archery or any other hunting gear-hunters know they’ll find it at the Hunters Extravaganza. Plus, hunters enter great contests, see exciting attractions, meet their favorite hunting and sports celebrities and more! www.ttha.com
SEPTEMBER
music. East from locally owned and oper-
Kingwood July 4Th Festival
ated food trucks. Family friendly, with a
And Fireworks
Taste Of The World Houston
Kids Zone, retail vendors and entertain-
Celebrate in Kingwood with live music,
Food And Wine Festival
ment for all. www.beyondthepints.com
craft and food booths. Plenty of activities
The Houston World Food & Wine
for children – come out and enjoy the
Festival celebrates food, drink, music
fireworks! www.kingwood.com
and dance from around the world. The
www.towncenterevents.com
festival has a globe-trotting theme that
JUNE Wine & Food Week in The Woodlands One of America’s largest and most
invites attendees to try out a new variety
comprehensive wine and food events.
Houston World Series Of Dog Shows
This festival features celebrity chefs,
The Annual Houston World Series of
more than 500 wines, 40+ events and
Dog Shows by the American Kennel
tastings from 50 restaurants. Join more
Club is one of the finest and largest
than 10,000 food and wine fans as The
indoor dog shows in the world that
Woodlands uncorks this event. www.
attracts more than 40,000 spectators,
wineandfoodweek.com
participants and vendors.
Montgomery Wine and Music Fest
houstondogshows.com
Event to be held in the streets of Historic
Texas Music Festival Each year, the Texas Music Festival provides close to 100 young professional
AUGUST
of food and arts and enjoy an international experience. It provides a feast for the senses and reflects the multicultural diversity of Houston. www.latinolearningcenter.org
Montgomery. Discover Texas Wines, Texas Food, Texas Beer, and Great
musicians with a challenging musical
Houston International Jazz Festival
Texas Music!
environment in which to develop skills
The Houston International Jazz Festival
www.experiencemontgomery.com
in orchestral, chamber music, and solo
showcases Jazz, Rhythm and Blues,
performance. Lucky participants range
Soul and Latin Fusion. More than a
in age from junior high to adult and
dozen artists from around the world
specialize in a variety of areas. Each
will be featured.
institute is led by Moores and Shep-
www.jazzeducation.org
herd Schools of Music faculty, expert
Texas Renaissance Festival Plantersville - Based on travel-worthiness, chance to broaden horizons and the ability to introduce people to try new things and connect with others, the Texas
performers and teachers from Houston
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Renaissance Festival has been voted the
and throughout the world. www.uh.edu
Since 1945, Montgomery County has
best cultural festival in the country by
celebrated its agricultural traditions with
USA Today and 10Best. Enjoy magi-
this popular event. Come for toe-tapping
cians, jugglers, minstrels, troubadours,
Freedom Over Texas
entertainment and feel good about
comedians, food, arts and crafts that all
Located in the newly renovated Eleanor
helping with community scholarships.
celebrate life in the 16th Century.
Tinsley Park on Buffalo Bayou, Freedom
www.mcagfair.com
www.texrenfest.com
J UL Y
102 NORTHWEST HOUSTON NEWCOMER GUIDE 2019
– ISSUE 1
Longhorn Rod Run
soft fall weather and a taste of wine.
by celebrating all things Houston,
Antique cars compete in various cate-
Stroll main street as you enjoy
including a salute to the world-acclaimed
gories for prizes in Old Town Spring.
gourmet foods and creative arts in
Texas Medical Center. The Fun begins
Stroll the streets and view these beautiful
painting, photography, clothing, jewelry
at 9am when the downtown streets come
vintage automobiles.
and crafts by talented artist.
alive with zesty marching bands, imagi-
www.oldtownspring.com
OCTOBER
native floats and colorful balloons. Bring
NOVEMBER Home For The Holidays
the family. Annual Home For The Holidays
Petfest – Old Town Spring
The local shops and businesses come alive
PetFest is a weekend event dedicated to
with the Spirit of the Season, offering a
finding homes for animals in shelters and
variety of local, unique holiday gift ideas
rescue groups. It’s a fun-filled festival of
and treasures. Holiday-makers stroll the
entertainment and education that raises
winding paths, enjoy the thousands of
money, volunteers and foster homes.
twinkling lights, hot chocolate and other
Bring your pet!
holiday lights and a visit with Santa.
www.petfestoldtownspring.com
www.oldtownspring.com
Bridgeland Annual Howloween Fest
Houston Galleria -
Watch the Canine Frisbee Disc Club,
Uptown Holiday Lighting
Splash Dogs and the popular doggie
The annual holiday tradition flips the
Children’s Festival. Entertainment
fashion show. Enjoy the many crowd-
switch on a half-million twinkling lights
spans from local community perfor-
and-canine approved activities. You and
along with music, holiday characters, and
mances to awarding-winning children’s
your pet will have a dog-gone good time.
a special appearance by Santa. Fireworks
performers, meaning you are sure to
www.bridgeland.com
grand finale. www.uptownhouston.com
enjoy the show!
Creekfest
Nutcracker Market
CreekFest is a one-day festival held in
The Houston Ballet’s major fundraiser,
northwest Houston to celebrate the
the Nutcracker Market is a shopping
arts and outdoors in the Cypress Creek
wonderland. This year’s market will
community. Highlights include a 5k fun
feature more than 325 national and inter-
run, live music, a marketplace, local
national merchants carefully selected for
artists, tasty food and much more.
their unique offerings. Look for gourmet
www.creekfesthouston.com
food, home décor, garden accessories,
In Old Town Spring Old Town Spring’s shops and restaurants come alive with spectacular displays of holiday lights, plus strolling performers, festive exhibits and family friendly activities. www.oldtownspring.com Annual Children’s Festival Fun takes center stage at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 20th Annual
www.woodlandscenter.org
clothing, novelties and the perfect gift.
DECEMBER Jingle Bell Run Join Towne Lake for a family-friendly and festive Jingle Bell Run! The race will begin at 8:00 am and start at The New Boardwalk. Pre-race festivities begin at 7:00 am and include a DJ, Christmas
www.houstonballet.org
music, bouncy houses, hot chocolate,
October is Texas Wine Month and Old
H-E-B Holiday Parade
All racers will receive jingle bells for their
Town Spring with over 150 quaint
The Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day
shoes and a red long-sleeved t-shirt.
shops is the perfect place to enjoy the
Parade will welcome the holiday season
www.townelaketexas.com
Autumn Art and Wine Festival Old Town Spring
face painting, and pictures with Santa.
DECEMBER: CHRISTMAS IN CYPRESS www.gracesymphony.org
Grace Symphony Orchestra is a unique performance ensemble that incorporates classical music, drama, dance and art into performances with an emphasis on inspiring a glorifying response to God. Join them for a heart-warming night of sing-a longs of Christmas favorites. Not to be missed! Benefits Cypress Assistance Ministries.
HOUSTONNEWCOMERGUIDES.COM
103
ad index APARTMENTS Highline Urban Lofts........................................................... 37
AUTOMOBILE MyPlates.............................................................................. 25
BANKS/CREDIT UNIONS Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union............................................. 81
ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION Houston Dynamo............................................................... 93 Houston Rockets................................................................. 89 Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Galveston............................... 11 The Woodlands Country Club.......................................... 91
FOR THE HOME Floors and Beyond............................................................. 23
FOOD & BEVERAGE BUILDERS-NEW HOMES Drees Custom Homes........................................................ 22 Lennar & Village Builders..................................................... 5 LGI Homes - Terrata Homes....................Inside Front Cover Meritage Homes®............................................................... 15
CITIES & CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE City of Willis........................................................................... 3
EDUCATION Cy-Fair ISD........................................................................... 42 Covenant Christian School............................................... 41 Cypress Christian School................................................... 46
Real Ale Brewing Co............................................................ 7 San Luis Spirits Distilling Co. LLC.............Inside Back Cover
HEALTHCARE CHI St. Luke’s Health, Northwest....................................... 73 Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.................... 9, 75 MD Anderson Cancer Center............................................ 1 Texas Children’s Hospital®................................................. 77
HOTELS Hotel Sorella........................................................................ 35
INSURANCE The Lipton Agency............................................................. 17
Fusion Academy................................................................ 49
REAL ESTATE AGENTS / BROKERAGES
Houston Christian High School.......................................... 48
Better Homes and Gardens Gary Greene...................... 21
The John Cooper School................................................... 50
Cody Cooper, Sprout Realty............................................. 16
Klein ISD............................................................................... 40
Har.com............................................................................... 59
Lone Star College........................................................ 51, 53 Magnolia ISD...................................................................... 42 Tomball ISD.......................................................................... 45 The Woodlands Preparatory International School......... 47
RE/MAX Vintage................................................................. 33 Spencer Team, RE/MAX Integrity..................................... 34
UTILITIES & SERVICES Consolidated Communications ...................................... 65
To learn more, visit www.HoustonNewcomerGuides.com
Care has a new name in Northwest Houston.
Northwest Houston family includes: HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe
At our hospitals, we care like family. As a patient, you can expect high-quality
HCAhoustonhealthcare.com/conroe
care and a clinical team committed to your health, for all your needs.
936.539.1111
In addition, the hospitals within the HCA Houston Healthcare network will
HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest
continue to accept the same insurance plans.
Care. Above All Else. Our goal is to provide exceptional care to every patient at every hospital. “Care. Above all else.� represents our commitment to patient-centered care through our communities, convenient and comprehensive care access points, industry-shaping advances and best practices, and collaboration with physicians and nursing.
HCAhoustonhealthcare.com/northwest 281.440.1000
HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball HCAhoustonhealthcare.com/tomball 281.401.7500
Learn more about our commitment to care. For more information or to schedule an appointment please visit HCAhoustonhealthcare.com